The information technology (IT) industry will morph in 2021, prompted by its response to the chaos of 2020 and affirmation that it is the central nervous system of our digital society, according to the IT Industry Outlook 2021 published by CompTIA.<\/p>\n
The annual report from the leading nonprofit association for the technology industry and IT professionals provides insight into the trends that will shape the industry, its workforce and its business models in the new year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe confusion, disruption and uncertainty we\u2019ve experienced in 2020 will have some spillover effect in 2021, but rather than rebuilding to restore what it was, we believe that the industry is poised to rebuild for a better and brighter future,\u201d said Carolyn April, senior director, industry analysis, CompTIA.<\/p>\n
\u201cTransformative changes accelerated this year, leaving no doubt about the critical importance of digital operations,\u201d said Seth Robinson, CompTIA\u2019s senior director for technology analysis.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut as the spotlight on tech brightened it brought other matters into focus, including the industry\u2019s responsibility to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive; and whether its influence and reach will be subject to new government regulation.\u201d<\/p>\n
10 trends to watch in 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n Era of Cautious Optimism<\/strong><\/p>\n CompTIA\u2019s IT Industry Outlook 2021 also includes expectations for the year ahead from the perspectives of technology company executives and IT professionals.<\/p>\n Companies expect to alter their business models next year by offering more services, getting more involved with emerging technologies, exploring vertical market opportunities and stressing their cybersecurity expertise.<\/p>\n Each of these steps (and others) are part of their plans to bounce back from 2020\u2019s challenging environment. Just over 60% of firms said the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on business.<\/p>\n Asked about 2021 prospects, 37% of firms expect to grow revenue in excess of both their 2020 and 2019 results. Another 25% expect revenue to remain stable with 2020 levels, though for some firms that might be less than 2019 because of the effects of the pandemic.<\/p>\n About one-quarter say the lost revenue this year but hope to revert back to 2019 levels. Four in 10 companies anticipate keeping their budgets at 2020 levels, with a quarter predicting somewhat higher spending and 13% somewhat lower.<\/p>\n Similar mixed signals are present in survey responses from IT professionals. Nearly 80% feel good about their role as a technologist. The majority see a bright outlook thanks to the high demand for skills, driven by the increasing importance of technology to business strategy.<\/p>\n But there is also uncertainty over technology spending, with 44% feeling that budgets are too small, and they acknowledge that they\u2019ll likely be asked to do more with less.<\/p>\n In fact, three in 10 companies are retraining existing staff to fill open positions or address new areas of focus.<\/p>\n\n
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