MOLDOVAN IT SECTOR: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

According to data from Moldovan National Bureau of Statistics, the World Bank, and ATIC, Moldovan IT sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of the national economy, employing more than 25000 specialists and generating more than 500 million US dollars in annual service exports. However, its development is constrained by an acute shortage of skilled personnel (4000 to 6000 specialists per year), high emigration of IT specialists, underdeveloped infrastructure outside Chisinau, a complex regulatory framework, and geopolitical risks. Future measures to stimulate growth include reforming IT education, creating regional hubs, transitioning from outsourcing to product-based companies, expanding the IT park regime, and promoting Moldova as the most convenient outsourcing destination for the EU and the US. Due to the national strategy, Moldova could increase its IT services exports from 1.5 to 2 billion US dollars by 2030 and enter the top 30 global outsourcing destinations.

Note: The article was elaborated within the framework of Subprogram 030101 „Strengthening the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the economy of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the accession process to the European Union”, institutional funding.