The IT and communications sector is still largely satisfied with its current business situation. While the corresponding index for the digital sector fell in September compared to the previous month by 4.8 to now 30.5 points, this value is only slightly below the long-term average.
However, expectations for the coming six months are less optimistic. The business expectations index stands at -15.6 points. In August, this value had been -5.2 and in January still +18.8 points. The Bitkom-Ifo Digital Index, which is formed from the average of business situation and expectations, is currently at 6.2 points still slightly positive, in the previous month it was at 14.1 points.
“This shows that the sector is currently more robust than at the beginning of the Corona pandemic in spring 2020 and during the international financial crisis in 2008”,
says Bitkom Chief Executive Bernhard Rohleder.
“Companies that can help their customers weather the crisis are looking to the future with particular optimism, for example by making processes more efficient and thus saving energy.”
Digital sector continues to seek skilled workers
Despite the difficult situation, many IT and communications sector companies want to create additional jobs. Employment expectations are at 24 points and thus clearly in positive territory. This means that the vast majority of companies plan to hire additional workers in the coming three months. Rohleder says:
“Demand for IT professionals remains high.”
The situation in the overall economy looks more bleak. The Ifo Institute reports a business climate value of -15.7 points. In January 2022, the business climate index was still +10.0 points. The current business situation declined by 6.9 to 15.4 points. Expectations fell by another 11.0 points and stood at -42.3 points, clearly in negative territory.
