Researchers from Appian suggest that nine in ten UK and EU developers are concerned about budget and staff cuts. The growth of the IT market is on the decline. Most feel the impact, from the boardroom to the office floor.
Appian surveyed 1,500 developers and software engineers for a study on the impact of macroeconomic conditions. Most respondents operate in Western Europe and the United Kingdom.
Gartner expects total EMEA IT spending to drop by nearly four percent by the end of 2022 compared to 2021. A world of difference between last year, when spending increased by more than ten percent.
Companies are tight on cash due to inflation. Investors tend to hold back. As a result, the median IT budgets are on the decline. Managers aren’t the only ones losing sleep over the matter. Developers and software engineers have doubts too.
Uncertainty
About nine in ten respondents told Appian that they are concerned about a drop in IT budgets and staff. Developers and software engineers fear that business leaders will cut back on spending and hiring due to economic uncertainty.
The latter has several drawbacks. Roughly 47 percent believe that staff and budget cuts would lead to more data silos within their companies. Close to 48 percent expect more colleagues to quit, be it due to illness or an early departure.
Low-code, AI and ML
The respondents aren’t entirely powerless. Though CIOs and directors typically decide on organizations’ IT budgets, developers and software engineers have a voice as well.
About 85 percent of the respondents said they influence their company’s decision-making. They’re in a position to make the best of a difficult time. Roughly 42 percent believe their company should stay focused on its core business. According to them, the circumstances don’t necessarily necessitate a drastic change of course.
Despite declining IT budgets, close to 36 percent believe their company should continue to invest in new technologies and platforms. Nearly half said that low-code, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can compensate for a lack of budgets and manpower.
Downside
Some are optimistic, but the fact remains that uncertainty prevails. Appian develops low-code solutions, so it should come as no surprise that the organization discussed the technology with respondents. Although it’s true that low-code can increase developer efficiency, not everyone is eager to invest in new technologies at this time.
The latter is understandable. Change always comes with risks, and organizations actively avoid risks in times of economic uncertainty. Many companies halt their investments, but not everyone agrees with the approach. Even though budgets and manpower threaten to decline, a large number of developers and software engineers believe in the added value of low-code, AI and ML.
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