Digital industry proves largely crisis-proof

Figures are promising

Despite a shortage of skilled workers, war in Europe and continued high inflation, the digital industry is predominantly optimistic about the future. The business expectations of IT and telecommunications companies for the coming months stood at 12.2 points in March - the highest level since the start of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine in February 2022, according to the Digital Index published by Bitkom and the Ifo Institute. The index tracks the current business situation and business expectations for the coming three months and uses this to calculate the business climate.  

By way of comparison, the Ifo Institute's business climate for the economy as a whole only rose from -0.8 to 3.8 points. The forecasts for the current year are particularly optimistic. More than a third of ICT companies (36 percent) say they will increase their investments compared with 2022. Around half intend to maintain the level of investment (49 percent), and only 15 percent are planning to invest less. Hardware and systems manufacturers are particularly keen to invest.