The global battle for tech talent: Can New Zealand rise to the challenge?

Melanie
11.07.24 11:49 AM Comment(s)


The global battle for tech talent: Can New Zealand rise to the challenge?

The upcoming NZ CIO Summit brings together industry leaders to address a pressing issue: the war for skilled tech talent. As part of our #CIOSummitCafe series with Igor Portugal discussing challenges and threats facing CIOs in the next 12 months, international keynote speakers at this year's Summit, Cindy Taibi and Guillaume Lairloup paint a familiar picture – a landscape where the skills needed are constantly evolving, and competition for those who possess them is fierce.
A perfect storm: Changing skills, evolving expectations:

Taibi, former CIO at The New York Times, highlights the core challenge: the rapid pace of technological change. Companies struggle to keep their workforces equipped with the latest skills, forcing them to constantly recruit new talent. This, coupled with the evolving work culture – where remote and hybrid work models are increasingly desired – creates a complex scenario.

Lairloup, with experience leading technology for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, echoes this sentiment. He emphasises the lack of skilled personnel in Europe, a concern likely mirrored in New Zealand and Australia. This lack of knowledge creates project delays and additional costs, especially when companies are forced to look for talent abroad.

The New Zealand Context: Talent drain and recessionary woes

Dr. Ganesh Nana, a New Zealand economist, adds a local dimension. He acknowledges the general economic uncertainty but emphasises the specific challenge of workforce access and retention. New Zealand is witnessing a concerning trend of outward migration, with skilled Kiwis seeking opportunities overseas. This exodus, coupled with recession, could cripple the already strained tech sector.

Consequences of Inaction: A grim picture

Failing to address this talent shortage poses a significant threat. Companies may struggle to innovate, deliver projects on time, and compete effectively. The economic shift Nana describes, towards a knowledge-based economy, could be severely hampered.

Opportunities through collaboration: 
However, there's a silver lining. This crisis can be a catalyst for collaboration. The NZ CIO Summit offers a valuable platform for industry leaders to share best practices and develop strategies for attracting and retaining talent. By working together, the tech sector can explore solutions like:

  • Upskilling and reskilling programs to bridge the skills gap.
  • Flexible work arrangements to cater to the evolving work culture.
  • Investing in local talent development to create a future-proof workforce.

The summit presents an opportunity for attendees to be part of the solution. By attending and participating in discussions, CIOs and tech leaders can play a pivotal role in securing New Zealand's future in the ever-evolving tech landscape. 

Want to hear more from Cindy Taibi, Guillaume Lairloup and Dr. Ganesh Nana? Check out their sessions at the Summit here.

Join a powerful dialogue between global thought leaders and local experts at the New Zealand CIO Summit & Awards. 

20-21 August | Spark Arena, Auckland

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