Top Data and Analytics Insights: IIA's Best Resources of 2024

As we begin a new year of data and analytics advancements, we’re taking a moment to reflect on 2024's most impactful moments in the field. At IIA, we’ve worked hard to deliver resources that empower organizations to increase the ROI of their analytics investments, drive innovation, and make data-driven decisions with confidence. In this roundup, we’re spotlighting our top blogs, eBooks, and webinars from 2024. Whether you’re looking to deepen your analytics expertise or stay ahead of emerging trends, these resources represent the very best insights, strategies, and thought leadership IIA has to offer.

1. Creating a Data Strategy Framework Pt. 1

Setting a Vision, Assessing Your Current State

Stretching way back for this one (January 2 publication), our most popular blog from this year was from Brian Sampsel on IIA’s flagship data strategy framework. The article breaks down IIA's 10-step approach to building a demand-driven data strategy, emphasizing the importance of aligning data initiatives with corporate objectives. Packed with practical insights and a companion eBook, it’s a must-read for data leaders looking to set a clear vision, assess their current state, and create a roadmap for success.

2. Mapping an Information Economy

Released in the middle of 2024, our eBook on mapping an information economy tackles a common pitfall in enterprise analytics programs: neglecting the cultural and structural nuances of an organization’s information economy. It offers a practical, five-step framework for analytics leaders to map demand-side constituencies, distribution infrastructure, and supply lines to ensure their efforts align with organizational realities. This guide is essential for those looking to establish or refine analytics programs within a well-defined context.

3. The Future of the CDAO Role

Breakthrough Conversation with IIA Expert Neil Bhandar

Explore the evolving role of the Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) in this insightful blog featuring IIA Expert Neil Bhandar, VP of Analytics at Generac Power Systems. From redefining corporate hierarchies to positioning the CDAO as a strategic partner to the CEO, Bhandar shares provocative ideas on the transformative power of data in decision-making and innovation. Dive into his vision for the CDAO’s future as a cornerstone of business strategy and leadership, seamlessly integrating analytics, AI, and organizational agility.

4. Analytics Engagement Model

Toward Realized Business Value

Ever feel like your analytics team and business leaders are speaking different languages? You’re not alone. That’s exactly IIA created the Analytics Engagement Model eBook. It’s all about closing the gap between data teams and decision-makers with a framework that fosters collaboration and measurable success. Whether it’s redefining roles, improving communication, or weaving analytics into everyday decision-making, this guide has actionable strategies to turn your analytics team into a trusted business partner. If aligning analytics with real business goals is on your radar, this is a must-read.

5. The Anatomy of Agentic AI

Another of our top performing articles takes a look under the hood of agentic AI. We walk you through the essential components of this architecture, like how agents use shared memory to communicate, or how they learn from experience to continuously adapt. We also explore the key features that make agentic AI scalable, modular, and highly efficient. Whether you’re curious about how AI can automate complex tasks or how agents coordinate to make smarter decisions, this piece sheds light on the future of AI systems working in harmony.

6. Unlocking Machine Learning Success: The BizML Approach

Don't get overwhelmed by AI! This webinar was one of our favorite sessions of the year and gets to the heart of machine learning with clarity. Join Eric Siegel, the founder of Machine Learning Week and bestselling author, as he explains the bizML framework—a straightforward, six-step process designed to take machine learning projects from idea to reality. This framework is all about helping business and data professionals work together, bridging the gap between analytics and real-world results. Eric shares practical insights on everything from successful ML case studies to strategies for upskilling business leaders so they can drive ML projects with confidence.

To wrap up, 2024 has been a year of transformative growth and innovation in the data and analytics landscape, especially in the aspect of AI, but it's important to remember that the underlying data, people and the strategies that govern the two, are likely what you need to focus on before you can fully take advantage of AI. We’re excited to continue supporting your journey toward measurable outcomes in 2025 and beyond, so whether you're looking to refine your strategy, integrate advanced technologies, or foster better collaboration, these resources are just the beginning of what we hope will aid your highly impactful year ahead.