A new EMC survey has revealed that that in India, Big Data is giving rise to markedly improved decision making and is having a significant impact on companies’ competitive differentiation and ability to avert risk.

It said that 91% of Indian businesses surveyed reported that better uses of Big Data will lead to better decision making.

The survey asked IT decision makers in India for their perspective on the challenges and opportunities that Big Data and IT transformation and related skills can present to their companies.

The India results will be added among the thirty-six country-level survey results being collected through EMC Forum events taking place around the world between June and November 2013. Visit EMC Forum for a closer look at the India survey results and those of other countries as they become available. The series will conclude with an announcement of the global results in December.

The study says that 26% of companies have no current plans for implementing Big Data technology.  Culture (35%) followed by no clear business case or proven ROI (28%) are cited as the most common inhibitors to Big Data adoption.

It observed that companies in India continue to look to IT innovation to compete locally and on the global stage. The top three drivers for the transformation of IT systems and infrastructure in India are: Business process/operational efficiencies (61%), improved governance and compliance (46%).

79% of respondents report that they have the correct level of skills and knowledge in place to complete their business priorities successfully.

82% of respondents in India report that ensuring skills keep pace with the rate of I.T. innovation will be a challenge for their organizations over the next three years.

80% of respondents agree that I.T. is now equipped to handle the most essential business priorities and that now, the biggest barrier is cultural.

Rajesh Janey, President, EMC India & SAARC said, “ “While there is consensus in the business community that data would enable better decision making culture seems to be the biggest issue that businesses will need to overcome as India continues its journey as a progressive economy. EMC is committed to working with businesses on this transformational journey thereby ensuring that they have the right tools to handle the most essential business priorities successfully.”