IT and telecom industry in figures

The IT and telecom sector plays a central role in Swedish growth and the economy. The companies' turnover has continued to grow, but at a slower rate than in previous years.

- The growth rate should be higher in what is the engine of the Swedish economy. "It is also worrying that the operating margin has fallen. I link this, among other things, to the de facto skills shortage, the regulatory burden and the strong global competition," says Åsa Zetterberg, Director of IT&Telekomföretagen.

In 2017, the sector employed almost 210 000 people, with the largest sub-sector, software and IT services, providing work for just over 140 000 people or 66.7%. According to Statistics Sweden, 4.0% of all employed people in Sweden work in the digital sector. It is a steadily growing industry where the skills shortage is one of the industry's major challenges. A shortage of around 70,000 people with IT or digital skills is feared by 2022, unless special efforts are made.

- "IT and telecom companies are helping to keep up exports of services, which is important when industry is slowing down," says Patrick Joyce, Chief Economist at Almega.

The latest figures also show that the number of employees in the sector is increasing while the share of women is slightly decreasing to 28%. One exception is female CEOs.

- The fact that the number of female CEOs is increasing is obviously gratifying. However, in order for more women to apply for IT jobs, it is important that the image of and conditions in the IT and telecom industry change. It is a multifaceted industry that offers several different career opportunities and jobs that really make a difference to the development of society," says Åsa Zetterberg.

- The skills shortage is a real problem. "I can see that we are losing business due to a lack of people with relevant IT skills. It's not enough that the industry only attracts men," says Pär Fors, CEO of CGI and chairman of the board of IT&Telecomföretagen.