Russia Lacks Around 1 Million IT Specialists

The Russian economy currently faces a shortage of about one million IT specialists, according to Andrey Turchak, First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council and Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia party. He stated on Monday that the industry is experiencing a significant talent gap.

In 2021, the number of IT specialists in Russia was estimated at around 1.7 million people, but the economy still needs approximately one million more workers in this field. Turchak emphasized, “The competition between countries for IT professionals is intensifying. We must honestly admit that with the start of the special military operation, some of our IT specialists, including young people, left the country. At the same time, it is worth noting that there is already a reverse process being observed.”

Turchak made these remarks during a meeting of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy under the Federation Council.

In early March, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree aimed at retaining IT workers in the country. Specifically, Russian IT companies were exempted from profit tax, as well as tax, currency, and other controls until the end of 2024.