Fred Popowich
Scientific Director, SFU’s Big Data Hub
From helping businesses build AI literacy to upskilling programs, Simon Fraser University connects organizations with the latest tools and technologies.
In a complex and changing world, access to information and knowledge can help businesses be more efficient, innovative, and better prepared for the future. However, many small and medium-sized businesses are not aware of the untapped knowledge within their own organizations — the wealth of information and data available — as well as the talent and potential of their teams.
Digital transformations start with ensuring teams have the right skills to rethink old operating models, to experiment more, and to become more agile when responding to customers.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has been helping businesses build data and artificial intelligence literacy to tap into their own data to ask questions, improve products and services, and ensure their business processes are built upon the best information available. At the same time, it can help upskill teams in the use of data and information while connecting them with the latest data driven tools, technologies, and trends. To date, SFU has helped over 100 organizations, spanning education, finance, government, health care, and much more.
Empowering organizations on their digital transformation journeys
Digital transformations start with ensuring teams have the right skills to rethink old operating models, to experiment more, and to become more agile when responding to customers. For instance, SFU is helping BC Assessment (BCA) undertake a major digital transformation and IT implementation project while addressing staff skill gaps. By developing a series of customized and scalable training content tailored to BCA’s operations, they’re making data skills and AI-influenced technologies more accessible across teams and departments. This is helping to elevate their core competencies in working with data, creating best practices for their data workflows, and improving evidence-based decision making.
Training that meets you where you are
Customized training offers something that off-the-shelf training workshops cannot: understanding of organizational needs and business context to ensure teams gain the skills and knowledge that can make an immediate impact. This tailored approach with SFU partner Babcock Canada — a global marine, aviation, nuclear, and land systems company — empowered the organization to develop a common language that facilitates superior collaboration and improved data inputs. This will help them achieve their goals of producing more meaningful insights and reporting, and ultimately facilitate better data-driven decision-making incorporating AI technologies in appropriate ways.
How SFU’s Big Data Hub works
We start with listening and learning about your unique business challenges and opportunities. We then provide you with dedicated experts that will design customized solutions and resources to meet your needs. Workshops are tailored to address your specific challenges and are valuable for all skill levels.
To learn more about how SFU’s Big Data expertise can help businesses succeed in a digital world, visit sfu.ca/big-data.
