Debate: Digitization must be a top priority

Skills supply

Digitalization can solve our most important and urgent societal challenges. Many people are already working to develop digital solutions in Västerbotten, but more are needed. Responsible politicians should urgently assist in this work.

Almost half of Sweden's productivity growth is currently accounted for by the IT and telecom sector. The extent will also increase over time.

The digital sector employs around 300 000 people, including jobs outside the IT and telecoms sector proper. Much of the employment is in industry, logistics, trade, finance and the public sector.

Unfortunately, the sector is suffering from a severe skills shortage. In Västerbotten, an estimated 2,635 IT experts will be missing by 2022. Last autumn, IT&Telecom companies published a survey that identified the urgent need. It is clear that the measures implemented so far are not sufficient.

To ensure that the IT skills shortage does not have too negative an impact on Sweden, IT&Telecomföretagen proposes the following measures:

1. stronger overall investment in digitalization:

Develop the skills of all public sector decision-makers. Strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Employment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Streamline inter-agency cooperation - starting with redefining the role of the Public Employment Service.

2. investing in education, youth and career choices:

Implement the government's national strategy for the digitalization of the school system. Fundamentally reform teacher training, with digitalization as a key component. Work more closely with the world of work to improve young people's knowledge of careers in the sector.

3. investment in higher education and models for career-long learning:

Set up a commission to promote lifelong learning. Give students in higher education better preparation for the world of work.

4. Promoting migration and integration: Develop a national strategy for talent attraction. Aim for an increase of at least 10,000 more top international students applying to Swedish universities.

Continued active dialogue with policy makers across all sectors is needed to jointly find solutions. Digitization must be recognized as a top priority and a strategic leadership issue. It must not be isolated in individual 'IT departments'. The issue is far too important, not least for Västerbotten.

Fredrik von Essen

Industrial policy expert, IT&Telecom companies