TIN100 shows the importance of growing tech talent pool

TIN100 shows the importance of growing New Zealand’s tech talent pool

This year’s TIN100 report by the Technology Investment Network shows the incredible potential of ICT and software businesses to drive New Zealand’s future economic success, says Murray Sherwin, Chair of the Innovation Partnership.

“This report shows that the top 100 New Zealand tech companies now make up nearly $8 billion of New Zealand’s GDP, and with 75% of that revenue coming from exports, the sector is now our third largest exporter,” says Mr Sherwin.

“While the tech sector as a whole is thriving, it is especially exciting to see the continued growth and success of ICT and software businesses. Seven out of the EY Ten Companies to Watch, and six out of the Vodafone Ten Hot Emerging Companies were based in either ICT or software.”

Innovation Partnership member Ngā Pū Waea’s Antony Royal notes that the potential in the ICT sector for New Zealanders is vast, and creates opportunities that everyone should have access to.

"While New Zealand is recruiting much of this talent from overseas, we should not shy away from investing in our own local talent. We should ensure all of our kids and our mature workforce have an opportunity to contribute to this exciting sector,” says Mr Royal.

Innovation Partnership member Google’s Ross Young agrees, saying that the focus now must be on creating, recruiting and retaining the available pool of tech talent to ensure the sector’s continued growth.

“The sector is calling out for more IT and tech talent to perform all sorts of jobs, from computer programming, to data analytics, and digital marketing,” says Mr Young.

And it’s not just technology companies that need digitally and IT savvy staff.

“Already, most tech jobs aren’t in tech companies, and in the future IT and digital skills will make up core parts of everyday jobs. However, we don’t even have to look into the future, there is already a huge demand for these skills.”

The Innovation Partnership is supporting projects that ensure digital technology becomes a central part of New Zealand’s approach to education.

The Partnership’s policy document, “Vision for a Digital New Zealand”, demonstrates that putting digital at the centre of our education system will help ensure we have a digitally capable generation entering the workforce, with the right skills to help every sector of the economy thrive in an era of constant technology driven change.

ENDS

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