Tech sector employment up record 26.3%

Employment in the technology sector has grown 26.3% in one year, to record highs of 103,300 employees, according to the ‘Observatory of the Technological Sector in Catalonia 2017’, presented this week at the Catalan Technological Council (CTecno). The figure accounts for 3.2% of all employment in Catalonia.

Based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies, the study also shows that the tech ecosystem in Catalonia is made up of 13,794 companies, 2.3% of all companies in this sector in Spain. In 2016, some 738 new tech companies were registered in Catalonia.

Another aspect that the study shows is that the lack of technological interest among young people in general, reducing the availability of qualified workers. Nevertheless, the study recognizes the breadth of Information and communication technology (ICT) across the economy, as well as the need and willingness of businesses to go digital.

As for the main obstacles to the Catalan tech sector, the report identifies a lack of innovation and private funding. As for the makeup of the industry, the study finds that 69% are men with only 31% women. Also, women in the sector are mostly found in finance, administration and marketing departments rather than areas dealing with operational systems.