The Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) industry’s share of total job postings has nearly halved over the past 12 years. Although this trend has stabilised somewhat in the last six years, the overall decline has been shaped by shifts in corporate strategy1 and widespread layoffs as the industry has confronted market and economic adjustments. Yet, despite a shrinking share of job postings, the industry’s absolute job numbers tell a different story.
According to the World Bank's Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023, global employment in ICT rose from 37 million in 2000 to 68 million in 2022. This growth—driven largely by the IT services sub-industry, which expanded at nearly 7% annually—far outpaced the 1% growth rate of total employment across the economy2. In other words, ICT jobs have been growing in real terms, even as its relative share has declined.
Behind this shift lies a deeper transformation in the industry. Companies are moving away from generalist roles and towards highly specialised, AI-literate talent. The result: a more focused workforce that is smaller in proportion, but increasingly central to the digital economy3.
