Tech jobs
High Marks
The overall confidence rating in the tech sector among execs is 71.9 out of 100, up from 66 in 2013. Meanwhile, they gave their own companies a 72.2 rating, up from just under 68.8 last year.
Booming Business
62% are planning to increase investment in new products and business lines, up from 59% in 2013.
IT Expansion
58% expect to increase staffing levels in tech positions, and 52% anticipate increasing spending for tech itself. Both percentages are close to last year’s levels.
Personnel Problem
Nearly three-quarters of tech and business execs in the IT industry said they’re dealing with a “moderate” or “significant” shortage in tech talent quality—up from 69% in 2013.
Staffing Situation
47% are concerned that a talent shortage, labor prices and employee churn could slow business activity, up from 34% last year.
Slashing Price Tags
38% are concerned that lower margins and downward pressure on pricing could slow business activity, which is about the same as last year.
Growth Drivers
57% said the local quality of life contributes most to a healthy tech sector in a particular region, and 44% said it’s the region’s state of entrepreneurship/innovation ecosystem. One-third said it’s the availability of a skilled workforce.
Public Policy Wish List: Educated Opinion
43% said science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education needs to be improved for 2015 at the K-12 level, and 44% said the same needs to happen at the higher education level.
Public Policy Wish List: Well-Funded
36% would like the government to make it easier for tech companies to access capital.
Public Policy Wish List: IRS Issue
28% said the tax code is too complex—requiring too much time of businesses in managing their taxes.