Skills shortage in the IT sector: Bitkom warns of consequences

There is a major shortage of qualified specialists in the IT sector. Bitkom believes that this could slow down digitalization in Germany considerably. The digital association is now calling for politicians to take decisive action to counteract this.

Bitkom warns of serious consequences for the economy

Care sector, construction sector, industry – the entire German economy currently seems to be suffering from a shortage of skilled workers. The IT sector is apparently no different. This is the result of a long-term study by Bitkom. According to the study, there will most likely be a shortage of around 660,000 IT specialists by 2040. This could have serious consequences for the economy. This is by no means just about future unfilled positions in IT companies.

Rather, the digital association is also concerned about filling IT positions in the public sector. In the view of Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, this is likely to slow down “the urgently needed digitalization”. In a statement to dpa, he makes it clear that this could have serious consequences. He says that “without IT specialists, Germany is gambling away its digital future”.

Call to politicians

But from Wintergerst’s point of view, the situation is not hopeless. On the contrary, the right measures can be taken to counteract it. The number one goal is to attract new potential specialists to the industry. To achieve this, the number of trainees and students in the IT sector must be increased. In order to achieve this goal, the school system should be given a greater IT focus.

Curricula would have to be changed so that IT is already taught at secondary level 1. And not only that. In addition, computer science should no longer just be an IT subject. Topics such as AI and digitization could also be offered as independent subjects. It may also be expedient to keep staff in active employment after they reach retirement age.

Unlike in the skilled trades, for example, there are usually no physical limitations that prevent people from continuing to work in IT. The Bitkom President also advocates recruiting staff from other sectors. However, Wintergerst’s outlook is a little sobering. After all, in his view it is hopeless to solve the problem alone. We need to attract skilled workers from abroad.

And they are in great demand in almost all industrialized nations. In his view, the first step would be to amend the Skilled Immigration Act and, for example, turn immigration authorities into “welcome agencies”. In combination with an advertising campaign for Germany as an attractive destination for international IT specialists, this could possibly be effective.

Source: dpa