2024释放英国科技人才的潜力报告

Unlocking the UK’s Tech Talent Potential

Executive Summary

The UK tech sector, employing over 3 million people, is dynamic and rapidly evolving, driven by new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the shift towards hybrid and flexible working models. This report analyzes digital skills and hiring in the tech industry through the evaluation of over 15,000 active high-growth tech companies.

Key Findings

1. Skill Gaps and Demand Outstripping Supply

   • Technological advancements are leading to skill gaps, with demand outpacing supply in many areas.
   • The digital skills gap is estimated to cost the UK economy £63 billion annually in lost GDP.
   • Companies are responding by increasing salaries and offering comprehensive benefits to attract top talent.

2. Regional Hiring Patterns

   • London: Leads the tech hiring with 1,664 companies, followed by:
     • South East England: 418 companies.
     • East England: 252 companies.
     • North-West England: 207 companies.
   • The East of England is gaining prominence, with 252 hiring companies, benefiting from the intellectual capital of Cambridge.

3. Industry-Specific Hiring Trends

   • Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Makes the most hires within the broader tech sector.
   • Internet Platforms: Follows closely with 889 companies actively hiring.
   • Mobile Apps: Also sees significant hiring, with 544 companies.
   • Venture-Stage Companies: Lead in hiring with 31.3%, followed by growth-stage (25.5%) and seed-stage (22.3%) companies.

4. Diversity and Inclusion

   • Historically, the tech industry has struggled with diversity, particularly in terms of gender, ethnicity, and disability representation.
   • Women make up only 24% of tech jobs, with even lower representation in sub-sectors like cybersecurity.
   • Initiatives such as blind and inclusive hiring practices and unconscious bias training are becoming more common.

5. Impact on the Economy

   • The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy £63 billion annually in lost GDP.
   • There is a concerted effort to upskill current employees through initiatives like the Digital Skills Partnership (DSP).

6. Future Outlook

   • The tech industry is committed to continuous training and development, diversity and inclusion, and adapting to emerging technologies.
   • These efforts aim to unlock the sector's full potential and maintain its global competitiveness.

Conclusion

The tech sector in the UK is facing significant challenges and opportunities, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting work models. Companies must focus on developing and retaining talent, fostering diversity and inclusion, and adapting to new technologies to remain competitive. Universities and industry networks play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of tech professionals, ensuring the UK remains a leader in the global tech landscape.