The shortage of IT skills is real – and it's getting worse
- info IT-DAY
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
TL;DR:
1) Talent shortage is growing: Denmark currently lacks 7.000+ IT specialists. That number could reach 22.000 within six years. 2) Missed hires: 32% of companies have had to give up filling IT roles due to a lack of qualified applicants. 3) Top concern: 64% of Danish companies see the IT talent gap as their biggest barrier to growth in 2024. 4) Action points: Strengthen employer branding, connect directly with IT-profiles, and focus on long-term talent engagement.
In our recent blog post
"Recruiting During Downturns: New Data Suggests We May Be Turning a Corner" we looked at Voxmeter's data on the rise in short term hiring suggesting that an upswing could be on the way. Now, new insights from IT-Branchen’s IT-Barometer shed light on an urgent challenge: the growing shortage of IT talent in Denmark—and what companies can do to stay ahead in a market defined by scarcity rather than slowdown.
Fresh insights show just how serious the IT recruitment challenge is becoming
In the latest IT-Barometer 64% of Danish companies cite the lack of qualified IT talent as the number one obstacle to growth in 2024.
It’s not just about hard-to-fill roles—it's a structural issue. Right now, Denmark is missing more than 7.000 IT specialists, and that number is expected to triple to 22.000 within six years. On top of that, nearly 1 in 3 companies had to drop recruitment efforts in the past year because they couldn’t find suitable candidates.
The Real-World Impact on Hiring
For most HR teams and hiring managers, this shows up as longer time-to-fill, fewer applicants, and rising competition—especially for roles in development, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity.
But while the challenge is real, there are ways to stay ahead.
What You Can Do
Get visible: Companies that invest in their employer brand now will stand out—especially in an environment where IT-profiles are selective and often passive.
Meet talent early: Waiting until you have an open role is often too late. Engaging with IT-profiles at fairs (like IT-DAY) or through educational partnerships builds long-term trust.
Think pipeline, not position: The companies that build relationships today will have the strongest hiring pipelines tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
For IT recruitment specifically, this period could represent a prime opportunity to secure top talent ahead of the competition—especially for companies that act early, build visibility, and take long-term talent engagement seriously.
Want to stay ahead of the IT talent curve?
We’re here to help. Reach out via www.itday.dk and let’s talk about how we can support your recruitment strategy in a time where IT-skills are in high demand.
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