Portugal’s AI Talent Gap: Demand to Surge Over 20% Annually
Portugal faces a growing talent shortage in artificial intelligence and other key tech sectors.
Lisbon, Portugal – Portugal's tech sector is experiencing a significant talent deficit, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).
Demand for AI professionals is projected to increase by over 20% annually until 2026. This shortage extends to other crucial areas like data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development, posing a challenge to the sector's growth.
At the IDC Directions 2024 event in Estoril, Gabriel Coimbra, Country Manager of IDC Portugal, highlighted the talent scarcity as a major obstacle. "The lack of qualified talent, especially in AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development, is one of the main barriers to the sector's growth in Portugal," he stated. He further emphasized the anticipated significant rise in demand for professionals in these fields over the coming years.
IDC's data forecasts an 11% annual growth in demand for data analysis experts, 10% for cybersecurity professionals, and 8% for software developers between 2024 and 2026. This increasing need for skilled tech professionals underscores the urgency of addressing the talent gap.
The report also reveals that Portuguese organizations are expected to invest €13.9 billion in technology this year, a 6.9% increase compared to 2023. This investment surge is driven by the global push for digital transformation and innovation, with a particular focus on cloud migration, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, AI, and Big Data.
This growing investment in technology further emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce to implement and manage these advancements. Portugal's ability to attract and retain talent in these critical areas will be crucial for its continued technological development and economic growth. The increasing demand presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Portugal to invest in education and training programs to develop its tech talent pool.
Key Takeaways:
Portugal's tech sector faces a significant talent shortage, particularly in AI, where demand is projected to grow by over 20% annually until 2026.
This talent deficit extends to data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development, hindering the sector's growth.
Portuguese organizations plan to invest €13.9 billion in technology in 2024, further emphasizing the need for skilled professionals.
Source: Lusa. (2024, October 3). IDC estima que procura por talento em IA cresça mais de 20% ao ano até 2026. ECO Sapo.