Google issues warning about the Brazilian technology landscape; see challenges and opportunities

Last Wednesday (31), a study by Google was released, revealing a projected deficit of 530 thousand Information Technology (IT) professionals in Brazil by 2025. This shortage of talent arises amid growing demand and a lack of professionals with more solid experience, among other factors.

In collaboration with the Brazilian Startups Association (Abstartups), Google produced a report that indicates that, between 2021 and 2025, approximately 53 thousand IT professionals will be trained annually.

However, even with this high number, the demand for these professionals will be only 800 thousand, according to Brasscom, the Association of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital Technologies Companies.

What are the reasons for this?

Google surveyed startups, executives and industry professionals to understand the reasons behind this deficit in the industry. Among the reasons cited were the lack of diversity and the barriers faced by black people and women in the field of information technology.

Furthermore, people from regions far from the center of Brazil face limitations. The difficulty in getting their first job in the IT field leads many young people to seek other careers.

Another factor is that Brazilian education is lagging behind in the development of logical thinking. The IT market in Brazil produces few senior professionals, which contributes to the shortage of experienced people. In addition, the more attractive conditions offered by the international market end up emptying the national market.

Google’s study identified the areas with the greatest talent shortages. These are, in order: information security, artificial intelligence, cloud architecture, and IT organization. In addition, automation is an area with significant demand for professionals.

Finally, Google claims that this could have a major impact on Brazil. This is because the country’s lack of skills puts it in third place among the G20 countries that most miss out on opportunities to grow its GDP.