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ICT Skills Gap: Hindering Technology Implementation

Here's a summary of teh key findings from the "Bite Latvija" survey regarding ICT implementation challenges for Latvian businesses, based on the provided text: Key Obstacles too ICT Implementation (2025): * Lack of Qualified Specialists (43%): This is…

ICT Skills Gap: Hindering Technology Implementation

Here’s a summary of teh key findings from the “Bite Latvija” survey regarding ICT implementation challenges for Latvian businesses, based on the provided text:

Key Obstacles too ICT Implementation (2025):

* Lack of Qualified Specialists (43%): This is the biggest obstacle, significantly up from 31% in 2024. It’s especially pronounced in manufacturing, trade, services, and large companies (250+ employees).
* High Investment Costs (20%): While decreasing slightly from 22% in 2024, the financial burden remains a significant barrier, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
* Employee Fear of Change/Resistance to Innovation (6%): This is a less significant obstacle but interestingly, it’s more frequently cited by large companies.

Trends & Insights:

* Accessibility is Improving: ICT solutions are becoming more accessible and tailored to different business sizes and skill levels.
* Basic Solutions Adopted,Complex Steps Delayed: Manny companies are implementing basic ICT solutions,but are postponing more complex digitization efforts,particularly SMEs.
* ICT as a Strategic Investment: “Bite Latvija” emphasizes that ICT implementation is a long-term investment for competitiveness and cost reduction.
* Outsourcing IT Services is Growing: Outsourcing IT services is becoming increasingly common, ranking as the 5th most frequently used ICT solution in Latvia.

In essence, the survey highlights a skills gap as the primary challenge to digital conversion in Latvia, alongside ongoing concerns about cost, particularly for smaller businesses.

About the author: Marcus Liu - Business Editor

MBA and ex‑B bureau chief specializing in global finance and fintech. Marcus speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English, and has interviewed CEOs from the Fortune 50 to Y‑Combinator unicorns. Marcus Liu delivers sharp analysis on markets, startups, and corporate strategy for investors and entrepreneurs alike.