South America has one of the most prosperous technology and entrepreneurship ecosystems in the world. It is one of the largest IT market with countries like Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Four sectors stand out in local spending on software: manufacturing, government, financial services and communications. However, historically the sector has faced a shortage of qualified workers as the number of graduates is not enough to meet the demand that not only the software and IT industry but other sectors have for these types of professionals. In addition, the technical and soft skills with which professionals graduate do not meet the needs of an industry that requires constant learning and in which changes in knowledge are very rapid.
Some specialists believe that a public policy is necessary in the different training instances for young technicians, technologists and professionals to meet the demand for talent for the industry, and incorporate STEM skills [in science, technology, engineering and mathematics] from training school.
Regarding the regulatory issue, it is important to work directly in the generation of a model that allows companies to compete on equal terms. However, the sector is a growing market, professional, safe and with benefits for international entrepreneurs who trust it.
The international recognition of South America as an exporter of Information Technology (IT) solutions, such as software, is more frequent with the passage of time and is continuously positioned as an excellent alternative in international markets. Among the reasons, talent, quality, innovation and specialization stand out.
The South American software offer has had a sustainable growth during the last years in terms of exports, market share and quality of services. This growth has made the software and information technology (IT) industry establish itself as one of the most promising for the regional economy.
The most marked trends in which the South American developers have become experts are products and services for information and communication activities, for financial and insurance activities, for administrative and support services activities, for professional, scientific and technical activities, and for activities related to education.
For this to be possible, creativity and talent are essential. South American human talent in the IT industry is increasing both in quantity and quality. Its ethics are also recognized, which make this a very attractive industry for foreign entrepreneurs.
For all the above, you can find in the South American software development industry, a solution tailored to meet the needs of your company.
Women should be included to promote the software industry
A study by ECLAC, entitled “Industry of software and computer services: a sector of opportunity for the economic autonomy of Latin American women” established the need for Latin American governments to implement measures and strategies to promote the participation of women in the digital economy.
It indicates that women could contribute to an optimization of the design, production and commercialization of ICTs and to the integration of their visions, needs, communicative and aesthetic styles, and – especially – their demands for autonomy and protagonism in decisions that concern development of their communities and countries.
The research, led by Gloria Bonder, coordinator of the UNESCO Regional Chair for Women, Science and Technology in Latin America, estimates that the software and computer services industry (SSI) could provide very promising opportunities for the integration of women.
The research established that it is a key dynamic sector for the development of the digital economy with a high capacity to generate value and in constant global expansion, and that given its propensity for innovation, it plays a relevant role in the economic growth of Latin America and the Caribbean.
