The global technology skills gap has been growing for over two decades, with 80% of businesses now requiring digital skills but two-thirds struggling to find suitable talent. It is estimated that there will be a potential shortage of over 85 million tech workers by 2030, with an annual revenue loss exceeding $8 trillion. This looming global talent shortage poses a threat to major economies including the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Indonesia, Russia, and Brazil among many others that expect a substantial deficit in skilled workers, particularly in the tech sector. India is identified as a potential tech leader, projected to have a surplus of over 1 million high-skilled tech workers by 2030.
Governments globally are making investments and implementing initiatives to address the growing digital skills gap. The United States is targeting cyber skills and other technology shortages, India is concentrating on upskilling youth in advanced technologies, Australia is embracing a new training approach, Canada is allocating funds for digital skills, and the European Union is tackling digital skills gap through new strategies. Investment in upskilling the growing African youth population in technology skills is a focus for tech giants, NGOs and philanthropic organisations.
Business demands expose a gap between university-taught tech skills and real-world needs, with an array of commercial solutions contributing to global technology training. Traditional providers such as Pluralsight and New Horizons Computer Learning offer personalized and employer-led initiatives, keeping learners updated on technical skills. Bootcamps and MOOC models including Le Wagon and Coursera provide fast-paced, market-tailored programs for in-demand tech skills. Platforms such as GitHub and Free Code Camp foster collaboration and discussions for digital skill learning. Niche skill courses from companies like Guvi offer focused expertise. Camp K12 and Codemao focus on K-12 Technology literacy, integrating digital literacy early. Tech giants including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Cisco, and IBM invest in upskilling initiatives, addressing talent gaps and contributing to the global tech talent pool. Governments, through initiatives such as NSDC in India, Ghana Skills Centre, and JAHIZ in the UAE, actively implement digital upskilling to address labor shortages, creating a more skilled workforce in response to evolving job market demands.
