Demand for tech talent in Canada to reach 305,000 by 2023: report

Nov 27 2019, 6:20 pm

Canada’s demand for “digitally-skilled talent” is expected to reach 305,000 people by 2023, for total employment of over two million workers in the digital economy, according to a new report released by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC).

In its report, Canada’s Growth Currency: Digital Talent Outlook 2023, ICTC identifies full-stack developers, data scientists, and DevOps engineers as three of the 15 top digital jobs that will be most needed in Canada.

The report notes that employment in Canada’s digital economy has grown almost twice as fast as the overall economy in the past decade.

Moreover, ICTC predicts that the demand for skilled talent will continue to scale across all sectors as technology continues to permeate a variety of industry verticals.

Outlook 2023 identifies six key innovation growth areas across the country:

  • Cleantech – carbon-neutral and climate-positive energy and services;
  • Clean Resources – the next generation of natural resource extraction;
  • Advanced Manufacturing – kickstarting production with technology;
  • Interactive Digital Media – tuning in and experiencing design;
  • Health and Biotechnology – innovative well-being;
  • Agri-foods and Food-tech – tech-based nutrition and production.

“The waves of change sweeping our economy are rapidly shaping a new industrial paradigm. Sustainable business is increasingly seen as a strategic advantage, paving the way for growth and increased employment prospects for Canadians,” said ICTC President and CEO Namir Anani. “Preparing an innovation ready workforce for tomorrow’s green and hyper-connected economy is a strategic imperative for Canada in the coming years.”

ICTC said that “with the principles of a sustainable economy at the helm,” the six sectors it identifies are “all undergoing extensive change as a result of digital disruption.”

At the same time, technologies like artificial intelligence, 5G, virtual and augmented reality, advanced manufacturing processes, and blockchain are all “radically redefining talent and skills needs, while simultaneously changing the way we work, live, and do businesses.”

As such, the report states, “turning this impending disruption into opportunities will be pivotal.”

ICTC is a not-for-profit national centre of expertise for the digital economy. With over 25 years of experience in evidence-based research, practical policy advice, and innovative capacity building solutions, ICTC’s goal is to strengthen Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy.

ICTC’s Digital Economy Demand Outlooks are published every three years and can be found online.

Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

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