Several tools available to resolve the shortage of experts in the technology sector
Tools for resolving the shortage of experts in the technology sector and increasing its attractiveness include adding DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) to the industry’s operating models and investing in education and internationality. The workforce situation in the sector will be discussed at Teknologia 23, which opens tomorrow at Messukeskus, Expo and Convention Centre Helsinki. The event will run from 7–9 November 2023.
According to a needs analysis carried out by Technology Industries of Finland in 2021, the sector will need 130,000 new experts over the next ten years, that is, 13,300 experts per year. In addition to needing an increasing number of highly educated experts, the sector is also experiencing an annual shortage of about 1,500 experts. These needs are being fuelled by a combination of retirements and corporate growth in the sector. Although the technology industry is competing for talent with many other sectors, educational institutions are not producing enough graduates, which is exacerbating the shortage of experts. Read more on Technology Industries of Finland’s website.
Diversity, equity and inclusion – a tool for broad-ranging innovation and easing talent shortages
DEI will also be part of the Teknologia 23 fair. On Thursday 9 November, Women in Tech will be holding a panel discussion on the topic From Biases to Fairness: How Companies Can Develop and Train AI for a More Inclusive Future. The discussion will be moderated by Emma Näpänkangas from CapMan, and the panel will consist of Mimosa Sukanen (Huld), Nea Höynälä (Inklusiiv), Riikka Schroderus (RELEX Solutions) and Sara Tiikkainen (Ernst & Young). Women in Tech Finland is a network that encourages and supports women, and promotes the values of diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology sector.
“The technology sector has started to pay particular attention to DEI, as there is such a shortage of talent at the moment. There’s widespread concern that the shortage of experts will affect the sector’s competitiveness. However, the root causes of this talent shortage are not being sufficiently discussed,” says Höynälä.
“Tech organisations have increased their resources and investments in promoting DEI topics. More and more companies are holding DEI training, improving their recruitment and corporate culture practices, and telling people about their DEI work. Companies celebrate Pride Month and some have appointed DEI working groups or advisors. These are all good first steps, but a lot of the action lacks a strategic, knowledge-based dimension,” says Höynälä. It will be essential to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into a company’s strategy, values, culture and resources.
The technology sector has traditionally been very male-dominated, and only 22 per cent of technology professionals in Finland are women. Minority groups are also underrepresented in the sector. However, diverse teams are a great benefit in terms of innovation alone.
“Diversity in the technology sector is crucial for promoting creativity, boosting problem-solving skills and broadening perspectives. Diverse teams understand a broader range of user needs and preferences, and will therefore be more likely to respond to them successfully and avoid risks,” says Höynälä. Providing a variety of role models is also important for the sector’s attractiveness.
“The first step is to understand your organisation’s current status, strengths and weaknesses, and then allocate resources and create a plan to address the identified priorities. Leaders must also be committed to this work and lead by example. They must speak out openly on these topics – and not just once a year, but every day,” adds Höynälä.
Investments must be made in technology education
The expert shortage can also be resolved through work-based immigration and investing in technology education. It’s important to ensure that students graduate and international students stay in Finland after graduation.
Teknologia 23 will also offer technology companies the opportunity to polish their employer image at the Tulevaisuuden työnantaja (Future Employer) day for students on 7 November. During the day, technology students will get to network with companies and meet recruiters and company representatives. The programme point will offer interesting career stories and tips for choosing a career. Click here to see the programme for the student day. The day aims to give aspiring tech workers a better idea of future job prospects in different technology industries.
Teknologia 23 – Transforming The Industrial Landscape | The event will be held at Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre on 7–9 November 2023 at the same time as Cyber Security Nordic. The event covers several fields: automation, electronics, energy, hydraulics and pneumatics, mechanical engineering, maintenance, robotics, ICT and 3D.
www.teknologia23.fi | #Teknologia23 | LinkedIn @teknologia
Further information:
Antti Karjunen, Communications Officer, Messukeskus Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)50 574 3444, antti.karjunen@messukeskus.com
Marcus Bergström, Communications Officer, Messukeskus Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)44 562 4524, marcus.bergstrom@messukeskus.com
Nea Höynälä, DEI Consultant & Head of Marketing, Inklusiiv, nea@inklusiiv.com
Photos of Messukeskus and earlier events are available to the media at https://mediabank.messukeskus.com
Accreditation, press releases and instructions for media representatives: https://messukeskus.com/newsroom
