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IT talent shortage: a growing concern for the Dutch industry & government

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As technology continues to advance and shape the way we live and work, the demand for IT professionals has never been higher. Unfortunately, ING Bank highlights a growing concern for the industry – a severe shortage of IT personnel. According to ING, there are tens of thousands of open vacancies in the IT sector, and a record 44% of IT companies see the shortage of personnel as a brake on further growth.



The shortage of IT personnel is not a new problem, but the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic temporarily alleviated the issue for many companies. However, as the economy recovers, demand for IT professionals from other sectors is also increasing, making it increasingly difficult for IT companies to find the talent they need. Cloud and cybersecurity remain in high demand within the sector, as more people work remotely and the threat of cyber attacks continues to rise.


A survey of 52 government organizations conducted by AG Connect, iBestuur and Binnenlands Bestuur found that a large majority of governments, including municipalities, provinces, water boards, execution organizations, and ministries, reported a severe shortage of IT professionals, with sometimes hundreds of IT vacancies per organization. The survey also found that 79% of government organizations currently have too few IT professionals, and for the central government, this number is 100%. This shortage of IT professionals is causing more than three-quarters (76%) of governments to become stuck with their IT projects and 85% have to prioritize them due to lack of capacity. As a result, nearly three-quarters (73%) are experiencing significant disruptions in their organization, including increased costs, increased workload for existing employees, and shifting tasks to employees who are not trained for them. In some cases, there are concerns about service delivery that depends on IT. The survey also reveals that the central government lacks IT professionals in almost all IT-related positions, with a particular shortage of security professionals. In some cases, there are 25% fewer IT professionals than required. Several governments and execution organizations also expect that the shortage will increase significantly in the coming years.


It is clear that the shortage of IT personnel is a growing concern for both the industry and government. With technology continuing to play a vital role in our daily lives and the economy, it is essential for companies and governments to find new ways to attract and retain IT talent. Hiring senior-level proven professionals from abroad as a way to deal with ongoing local shortage issues sounds like a good option.


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