Global Connections To Fill Tech Needs

Amid an accelerating trend toward digitization and automation, companies increasingly turn to technology-based solutions to remain competitive.

As they look to achieve sustainable transformation, many find they need more talent to meet their goals. Remote work, along with recent advancements in app development and software engineering are further driving this need for digital support.

Getting the right labor force, however, remains a challenge. Nearly 95% of employers seeking tech talent have encountered a skills shortage during the past year, according to the recruitment and HR firm Hays, as reported in Computer Weekly.

Talent Still Eclipses Supply

While some tech companies, including Meta, Google, and Salesforce, have laid off staff, a Gartner survey found that the demand for technology talent still significantly exceeds supply, as noted in The Register. According to the findings, 86% of CIOs reported a more competitive environment for candidates with the qualifications they need. In addition, 73% were concerned about maintaining IT talent.

Given this ongoing search for tech talent, there could be benefits from casting a wide net. International companies that look to developing countries with the right labor force and digital connections could find the solutions they need. In return, workers in low-income areas can level up their skills and contribute to a growing middle-class society.

Talent Pools in Developing Countries

Worker shortages in developed countries can lead to salary inflation, as companies look to attract local employees who may be evaluating several job offers. In addition, tech workers might be asking for more flexibility, such as choosing their hours and office days. Companies could find they need to extend additional benefits to encourage staff members to stay after they are hired.

This lack of talent has led some large and mid-size tech companies to outsource and nearshore their delivery centers. However, in most underdeveloped countries, the tech training programs at institutions and private universities are not based on skill sets. Given this, there is a greater need for companies to invest in boot camps to reskill and upskill tech talent.

Labor pools in developing countries may be bilingual, and those who speak English and have a basic education need only to learn the tech skills associated with their job position. Companies that can tap this resource through upskilling and reskilling have the chance to create thousands of jobs. In low-income countries, this arrangement helps to improve living conditions and move individuals into the middle-class sector. At the same time, it solves the issue of tech talent shortages by meeting the ongoing needs of the industry.

Sustainable and Economic Growth

For companies looking to meet sustainability goals, moving to digital solutions can be an efficient and strategic move. Taking on talent from organizations in developing countries can further support this objective. If an international firm outsources tech services to a company focusing on sustainability, both will align regarding their use of resources and growth.

Some IT service providers in developing nations are setting up their operations to include training to tech workers. New employees can learn the skills they need during the hiring process. This gives young talent the chance to have a career and education they might not otherwise be able to access. Once they are trained, they can teach others and move up in the company.

This setup enables international firms to specify what skills they need and receive customized solutions. It also relieves the strain on worker shortages, as large labor pools in developing countries may quickly take on a tech job.

Given the growing demand in this sector, it can be a source of employment for many years, providing long-term opportunities to workers. As these individuals earn more, they can contribute to society and help propel the overall economy in the developing world.