Data revolution and statistics: reshaping society and science

Beyond any doubts, the whole world is moving too fast to embrace the artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to benefit from big data. Consequently, the use of unprecedented volume and intensity of data is becoming more and more an integral part of everyday life of modern science and citizens. The reality is that many of the next generation digital technologies will be data driven, internet dependent and satellite guided. Starting from driver-less vehicles to store-less shopping platforms and delivery of personalised services will be digitised based on data guided evidence. In fact, data revolution is already here, and we are increasingly being exposed to various technologies that are dependent on results from analysis and prediction of data. The role of statistics and computing algorithms in the process are crucial and it will continue to grow. The policymakers in government offices, health services, technology centres and business establishments are moving towards evidence-based decision-making which is predominantly guided by data synthesis and analytics. This paper covers various aspects of data including its dimensions and diversities, sources, owners and methods of analysis, and statistical and computational essence leading to the new paradigm of science, data.