The Scottish technology sector expects to create several
thousand new jobs this year, with demand growing for specialist
skills in key areas.
But there are concerns that these
skills may not be found in sufficient numbers however.
The second annual
Scottish Technology Industry Survey, by industry
body ScotlandIS, discovered that 90% of companies predict
growth during 2007-8, with 40% forecasting that growth will exceed
20%.
ICT businesses expect the greatest growth to come from the
energy and utilities, financial services, professional services and
public sectors, both in the Scottish and the broader UK
markets.
Businesses are increasing their geographic markets, with 45%
doing business in Europe. North America remains an important market
with one in 4 companies reporting sales to the US.
While 70% of respondents predict a growth in headcount, nearly
60% are concerned about finding suitably qualified new
recruits.
"The areas of greatest demand include senior software
developers, systems integrators, planning managers and sales and
marketing specialists," said Polly Purvis, executive director at
ScotlandIS.
"Headcount will need to grow by an average of 10% this year to
support anticipated sales increases.
Concern about being able to recruit suitably qualified people
is significantly ahead of other perceived growth constraints," she
said.
ScotlandIS represents over 200 software, telecoms, IT and
creative technologies businesses across Scotland.
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>>
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Placements lead to jobs for computing students >>
Download the survey pdf >>
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