Each year, the Pittsburgh Technology Council conducts an annual survey of its members that covers a variety of topics – overall satisfaction with the Council, the value of various products and services, and new this year, the top business challenges expected to be faced over the next twelve months. Over 950 business and technology professionals answered this question, and their responses are shown in the table below (respondents were able to select more than one choice):
|
Challenge |
Count |
% Total |
| Business Development |
502 |
52.5% |
| Talent Attraction (Experienced) |
456 |
47.6% |
| Marketing/Exposure |
403 |
42.1% |
| Talent Retention |
287 |
30.0% |
| Staying Informed of Industry Trends |
246 |
25.7% |
| Talent Development |
244 |
25.5% |
| Talent Attraction (Entry-Level) |
234 |
24.5% |
| Product Development |
215 |
22.5% |
| Health Insurance |
193 |
20.2% |
| Access to Funding/Capital |
177 |
18.5% |
| Ease of Business Travel |
143 |
14.9% |
| Energy-Related Issues |
126 |
13.2% |
| Commercialization of R&D |
93 |
9.7% |
| Legal/Regulatory Issues |
85 |
8.9% |
| Business Taxes |
73 |
7.6% |
Interestingly, despite today’s complex business environment, the most prominent challenges are fairly simple (though perhaps not in practice): finding new customers and attracting/retaining/developing employees. Challenges such as health insurance, energy, and business taxes are all surprisingly low on the list, especially given the attention being paid to them during this election season.
What do you think of these rankings? Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment!
Encountering some of these challenges right now? Contact us to learn how we can help you overcome some of these pressing issues – for free as part of your membership!
Sweet article!
I’m surprised to see 4 of the top 7 concerns are related to getting and keeping talent. I recently did a job search in Pittsburgh and found little in the IT field, granted I’m rather picky about what I do. I know that at least one other pittsburgh blogger (Jefferson Provost, link to his post below) has had trouble getting responses to the resume for technical positions. I also graduated with a degree in IT from Penn State and am one of at least a dozen in my class who desperately wanted to return to the burgh to work. In the end I was the only one that made it back (and that was only because my company allowed me to live anywhere I wanted).
I don’t want to point any fingers at the members of the Tech Council, merely to point out that if myself and others are having a hard time finding IT jobs in Pittsburgh and you guys are having a hard time finding employees in Pittsburgh then perhaps there is a miscommunication somewhere. Maybe we should be discussing how Pittsburgh Companies can better find and recruit the people who want to live in Pittsburgh.
Also, since this is my first comment… I thought I would mention how excited I am that you guys are conveying news over a blog. Gives me a chance to check in every morning over my coffee.
Provost Post: http://qfunction.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/more-thoughts-on-leaving-pittsburgh/