6 books about data and new technologies to give at Christmas

Lights in the streets, nougat and polvorones on the supermarket shelves, Christmas carols in all shopping centers... Christmas is here, and it is time to write a letter to the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus, according to personal tastes.

A book is always a good gift, even more if it is related to an area of ​​emerging interest such as data and new technologies. Improving our knowledge about these topics will not only allow us to increase our job opportunities, but also to better understand the world we live and the future we are going to.

The offer of manuals, guides or studies on data occupies more and more space in bookstores, where we can find materials aimed at both beginners and experts in the field. In datos.gob.es we have compiled 6 books that could be interesting:

WTF? What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us, by Tim O’Reilly.

What is it about?: The automation of tasks previously carried out by humans and the changes in business models can generate uncertainty in some people, who wonder what will be their professional future. Tim O'Reilly reflects in this book on the impact of artificial intelligence, big data or robotics in the workplace. These technologies are tools at human service, with great potential to improve our world, but, for this, we must make the right decisions, and pay more attention to technology, science and creativity.

Who is it for?: A book for those who do not know how to respond to the new technologies that are going to determinate our lives.

Doing Data Science, by Rachel Schutt and Cathy O´Neil.

What is it about?: This book tries to explain to readers one of the most demanded professions of recent years: the data scientist. Rachel Schutt and Cathy O'Neil collect success stories from companies such as Google, Microsoft and eBay, and share the algorithms, methods, models and codes used. The content is based on the “Introduction to Data Science” class at Columbia University.

Who is it for?: The book is directed towards people familiar with linear algebra, statistics and programming who wish to approach data science. Touching different topics, it could be somewhat superficial, but each chapter is complemented by a bibliography that includes recommendations to read.

Artificial Intelligence: 101 Things You Must Know Today About Our Future, by Lasse Rouhiainen.

What is it about?: Through various examples, Lasse Rouhiainen explains how the development and evolution of artificial intelligence will drive the creation of new business opportunities. The book analyzes the changes that are taking place in 10 key sectors such as finance, health or education, and addresses the study of areas of interest such as chatbots, robotics or autonomous cars.

Who is it for?: The book begins with the explanation of key concepts to understand the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence, so it is perfect for those inexperienced readers interested in understanding the impact of this new technology in our lives.

Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI, by Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson.

What is it about ?: Based on the findings of an 1,500 organizations investigation, the book analyzes how companies are using artificial intelligence to innovate and improve their profitability. It describes six completely new roles that companies should promote. These roles combine typically human capabilities with technical knowledge, in what the authors define as "machine + human" hybrid capabilities. The book ends with a "guide for the leader" with five principles necessary to drive a business using artificial intelligence.

Who is it for ?: Those people who want to boost their business with the help of artificial intelligence or those technical profiles (students, workers) who want to know more about the relationship between artificial intelligence and business.

R for Data Science, by Garrett Grolemund and Hadley Wickham

What is it about?: A guide that helps you understand how the R programming language can be used for data analysis. Among other questions, readers will learn how to manipulate data sets to reveal new information (Data Wrangling), create graphs and other visualizations, obtain perspectives and predictions from data sets or discover errors in analyzes.

Who is it for?: The book includes examples and exercises from a beginner level to an advanced level of R.

Thinking, Fast And Slow, by Daniel Kahneman.

What is it about?: We finish our list of recommendations with a book out of the subject "data and new technologies". “Thinking, fast and slow” is a reflection on the rational model of decision making, which can be applied to various fields. The book explains the two systems that shape our way of thinking: a rapid, intuitive and emotional system, and a slow, deliberative and logical system. In this way, the difficulty of predicting future needs, understanding risks or developing business strategies is analyzed.

Who is it for?: For those who want to reflect on the functioning of mental biases, regardless of their profile.

This list is based on a compilation of personal recommendations of the experts that collaborate with datos.gob.es. What other books would you recommend? We encourage you to share your opinion in the comments.