This document discusses how big data is primarily a human problem rather than a technological one. It argues that while technology enables the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data, humans define the problems, frame the questions, and interpret the results, which can be biased. The document also notes that while a lot of data is collected, most is never analyzed due to challenges in preparing, standardizing, and making sense of large, messy datasets. Overall, big data represents an innovation in human decision-making and problem-solving rather than just a technical advancement.
89. And that’s because the
biggest innovation in Big
Data is a human innovation
90. An innovation in
decision-making: framing,
solving and actioning a
problem
91. “Data is just like crude. It’s
valuable, but if unrefined it
cannot really be used. It has to
be changed into gas, plastic,
chemicals, etc., to create a
valuable entity that drives
profitable activity; so must data
be broken down, analyzed for it
to have value” Michael Palmer
92. The opportunity in Big Data
is data middleware: turning
crude into gas, plastic,
chemicals
93. But until we invent the new plastic, the new gas, the new chemicals, we
are stuck with the smokescreen. Or even the smoke monster.