Introduction
In a world where technology drives efficiency and productivity, the need for digital transformation (DX) in various sectors is paramount. A recent survey conducted by Human Resocia, a prominent staffing agency based in Tokyo, highlights a concerning trend within the construction industry: its adoption of DX is lagging behind other industries by approximately 10%. This article delves into the details of the survey, which involved 345 professionals in the construction sector, focusing on the impact of IT talent shortages and the trend towards employing overseas IT engineers.
Survey Findings
The survey pinpointed several critical issues facing the construction industry:
1.
Slow DX Progress: Only 14.2% of respondents indicated that their companies' DX initiatives were progressing well. In contrast, industries outside of construction boasted a 73.6% engagement rate in DX efforts. Additionally, many construction firms admitted to only progressing partially or not at all with DX.
2.
Widespread IT Talent Shortage: A significant 72.1% of the surveyed workforce expressed concerns regarding the shortage of IT personnel. Over half of these professionals predict that the talent scarcity will only deepen in the coming years, indicating a crisis-level problem within the sector.
3.
Emphasis on Overseas IT Engineers: Companies that have made some progress in DX were notable for their strong inclination to hire overseas IT engineers. The survey revealed that 82.4% of firms were either currently hiring or considering the hiring of foreign IT talent, emphasizing a crucial need for these professionals as a solution to the talent shortage.
The Importance of DX in Construction
The necessity for DX in construction arises from increased demand for efficiency and productivity amidst a growing talent crisis. As the industry grapples with labor shortages, particularly among skilled workers and IT professionals, the ability to integrate technology into processes has never been more critical. The survey underscores the dual threat: not only is the construction sector falling behind in adopting necessary technologies, but it also faces an urgent need to secure the talent that can facilitate this transformation.
Growing Need for Diversity in Talent
The significant shortage of IT professionals capable of driving DX, especially in areas like BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CIM (Construction Information Modeling), further exacerbates the challenges within the industry. The report suggests that to enhance productivity and innovation, embracing diversity through international talent acquisition is essential. By leveraging overseas IT experts, the construction industry can work towards a more robust and technologically integrated future.
Conclusion
The survey results provide a stark reminder of the hurdles the construction sector must overcome to keep pace with other industries in digital transformation. The insights reveal a pressing need for focused strategies to attract and retain IT talent, particularly from international sources. While the challenges are significant, the potential for growth and improvement through effective use of IT and embracing diversity in talent is clearer than ever. By prioritizing these elements, the construction industry can evolve, adapt, and ultimately thrive in an increasingly digital world.
For more detailed insights from this survey, please visit the
Human Resocia report page.