Over half of large firms face software specialist shortage — study
WROCLAW, POLAND — More than half of large European companies are facing a critical shortage of skilled software professionals, according to a new study by Scalo.
According to a press release, despite the recent boom in the IT sector and an overall increase in the number of developers, enterprises report growing difficulties in finding the highly qualified specialists required to keep pace with AI and emerging technologies.
Software talent gap widens in large enterprises
Scalo’s study titled “The software skill shortage: Insights and solutions” found that 56% of large companies report a shortage of qualified IT professionals.
Over half (57%) have also experienced rising costs for hiring and retaining such talent in the past year, while 32% say they struggle to fill key positions.
“Despite the high overall supply of software developers, only a small group have the competencies employers currently need,” said Anna Stanek, Head of Growth – Poland at Scalo.
“This leads to increased hiring costs and mounting challenges for HR departments. In some cases, companies cannot fill critical roles even after months of recruitment. However, there is an alternative that can help businesses move forward without further delays,” Stanek added.
The gap is largely driven by the rapid advancement of AI and other emerging technologies, which demand specialized skills that are still scarce in the market. Companies are increasingly realizing that traditional recruitment methods alone may not suffice to meet these needs.
IT outsourcing helps close critical skills gaps
In response, nearly 45% of large firms are turning to external partners to access the talent they require. Outsourcing is proving effective, with 60% of organizations confirming that it helps overcome hiring challenges.
Providers like Scalo offer vetted consultants and developers, project delivery management, and the flexibility to scale teams according to business demands.
“The interest in outsourcing is a natural response to today’s realities,” Stanek said.
“Technological opportunities and challenges arise almost monthly, and companies know that keeping pace requires organizational agility. At Scalo, we continuously monitor trends and recruit specialists in emerging tech areas so our clients are prepared for change before it happens,” Stanek added.
Looking ahead, the study suggests that combining internal teams with outsourced expertise may be essential for maintaining competitiveness.
As technology evolves rapidly, businesses may need to rethink how they build and manage their IT workforce, blending internal resources with external support to ensure agility and growth in an increasingly complex market.
