IT market in 2023: tensions, renewal and new trends

In the shadow of growing concerns about artificial intelligence, the global economic turbulence and the ongoing repercussions of Covid, the IT sector is also not without tensions. The Linux Foundation's "2023 State of Tech Talent Report" proves to be a valuable tool for both companies and professionals and sector operators.

Methodology and findings of the technology sector survey

The study focuses on the priorities, challenges and changes that the current year imposes on the technology workforce. Based on a worldwide survey conducted by Linux Foundation Training & Certification and Linux Foundation Research, the survey surveyed more than 400 hiring and people management managers. The findings show that while many organizations have scaled back their hiring plans, companies planning to expand their technical staff outnumber those planning to reduce. This is a comforting sign for job researchers in the field.

Demand for technological talent and new skills

The demand for specialized technical talent is always high, especially in leading areas such as cloud/containers, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence/machine learning. A relevant element is the evolution of the desired professional roles. While senior roles have been hardest hit by the cuts, new hires are focusing more on developers and IT asset management. There is also a growing trend to invest in training existing staff to acquire new skills.

Challenges and opportunities in the selection and training of IT personnel

64% of those interviewed believe that the search for personnel is an expensive and demanding process, which can lead to the choice of an unsuitable candidate and therefore to a high turnover. Nearly a third of new hires (29%) leave their jobs within the first six months. A majority of respondents agree that certifications (73%) and pre-employment testing (81%) are key to verifying skills and identifying the right candidate. Finally, they point out that continuous development (91%) and certifications (77%) are more valuable than a traditional university education (58%) to meet the technological needs of companies.