Confidence is already growing again in the ICT sector and the mood is brightening – at least that is what the indicators of the industry association Bitkom The revenue forecasts for the next year and a half are also encouraging. Bitkom expects a revenue decline of 3.3 percent to €163.5 billion this year. However, the market is expected to grow again by 2 percent to €166.7 billion next year. The digital association expects the number of employees to remain constant at 1.2 million in the crisis year of 2020 and to increase by 20,000 additional jobs in the following year.
"In the midst of the crisis with its many unknowns, forecasts primarily offer orientation values. One thing is certain: the digitalization push will bring long-term growth to the ICT industry,"
says Bitkom President Achim Berg.
“Driving digitalization with courage, determination and speed”
The indicators for sentiment in the ICT sector are all clearly pointing upwards. The index for the current business situation rose by 9.3 points to 11.6 points in June compared to the previous month. On average, companies are assessing their business situation more positively for the first time since the beginning of the crisis. Business expectations for the next six months climbed even more sharply, rising by 12.3 points to a still negative -8.0 points. The Bitkom-ifo Digital Index, which is calculated based on the current situation and expectations, turned positive in June for the first time since February and, at 1.5 points, is now 11.0 points higher than the previous month. Berg says:
"For companies in the digital sector, the business situation has improved for the second month in a row. Hopes are high that the economic low point of the coronavirus crisis has been overcome for the digital economy and that the general push toward digitalization will boost demand for digital solutions."
The Bitkom president hopes that the weeks of lockdown have been "a wake-up call." Digital technologies have kept public life and our economy running in the first place.
"The coronavirus crisis is a digital turning point. Our digital deficits have been ruthlessly exposed in recent weeks, in companies, administration, and especially in education. Now it is even more important to drive digitalization forward in all areas with courage, determination, and speed."
