IT SECTOR IN THE CONDITIONS OF CARDINAL CHANGES IN THE LABOR MARKET

Abstract

The article analyzes the current state and development trends of the Ukrainian IT industry under wartime conditions, which have significantly impacted the labor market’s structure and dynamics. The IT industry is of paramount importance for Ukraine’s economy, serving as a stable source of foreign exchange and a strategically significant sector for national development. This study aims to identify the key challenges faced by the industry, examine the impact of martial law on human resources, and forecast future development prospects.  The rapid growth of the IT industry in recent years has led to a significant increase in the number of professionals, particularly among individual entrepreneurs, whose services are preferred by businesses due to their flexibility. The study also examines the state of IT education in Ukraine. Traditional higher education institutions produce approximately 16,000-17,000 IT specialists annually, although this number declined due to the war. Official education covers only a fraction of industry needs, as more than half of professionals pursue additional training through IT courses and specialized schools. While these institutions meet the demand for new talent, they also pose risks due to the lack of quality control over educational standards.  Martial law has led to numerous changes in the structure of IT human resources and the qualifications required of specialists. Key challenges include the loss of engineering and executive talent, increased competition among junior and mid-level professionals, the forced relocation of many employees, and heightened requirements for skills, especially in English proficiency. Remote work has become the standard for 70% of companies, necessitating business adaptation to these new conditions.  The article concludes that, for the sustainable development and recovery of Ukraine’s IT sector, it is crucial to address these changes. Future research will focus on strategies for adapting the labor market to the new circumstances, developing support programs to encourage the return of skilled professionals, and strengthening quality controls in IT education to enhance the global competitiveness of young specialists. The practical significance of the article lies in creating an analytical basis for developing recommendations aimed at supporting Ukraine’s IT industry in the face of modern challenges.