With the development of computer systems, it has been a long time since there was a shortage of IT personnel. In Japan, the shortage of software engineers was warned in the 1980s with the term “software crisis,” and since then there has been a consistent shortage of IT-related engineers.
[Current status and issues]
・Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry estimates that there will be a shortage of up to 790,000 IT personnel in 2030
・In particular, the gap between supply and demand for cutting-edge IT human resources, which is symbolized by AI, IoT, and big data, is becoming more pronounced.
・Engineers tend to be unevenly distributed among external vendors. Urgent need to strengthen and develop IT Human Resources in user companies
・The salary level is relatively low compared to other developed countries. Decline in popularity among younger generations
[Efforts to solve]
- ①Efficient system development
- ②Securing new human resource through reskilling
- ③Incorporation into school education
- ④Recruitment of foreign engineers
①Efficient system development
In recent years, due to the evolution of AI, development methods and tools, efforts are being made to improve the efficiency of system development, operation and maintenance work.
・RPA, low-code/no-code development: A technology that does not require advanced programming technology, so it enables application development by the person in charge of the business.
・Use of new technologies such as chatbots: Advanced AI technology can automatically generate program code. This makes efficient development possible.
②Securing new human resource through reskilling
Currently, we are in a period of major change in the business environment. In the future, it is thought that the movement of workers’ labor shifts across industries and business categories will become even more pronounced.
③Incorporation into school education
In recent years, the target audience for programming education is getting younger. By coming into contact with IT technology from an early age, it is expected that the number of young people who wish to pursue IT technology-related courses in higher education and career choices, or who can make full use of IT in various aspects of life will increase.
④Recruitment of foreign engineers
In Japan, there is a conspicuous shortage of IT engineers, but in some countries overseas, the supply of IT engineers far exceeds the demand.
For example, India produces more than 1 million new graduates of science and technology every year. While many new graduates are employed by companies in Europe, the United States, and India, there is an overall trend of oversupply, and there is a large pool of human resources seeking employment.
Under such circumstances, it is expected that the introduction of IT in Japan will progress through the implementation and effects of the multiple measures described above.