Where do IT specialists from Russia go? Bashny.Net

Specialists in the field of information technology earn relatively well even in Russia. The need for such workers is growing every year. For example, a year ago, the Ministry said that the country lacks from 500 thousand to one million IT specialists.

However, if earlier the brain drain abroad was noticeable, now the situation has only worsened. The outbreak of the war against Ukraine, the imposition of sanctions and the departure of hundreds of companies IT experts are leaving Russia without much thought.



Only in March, Russia left from 50 to 70 thousand specialists in the field of information technology. The departure is explained in its own way. These people are not stopped by the ability to work remotely for foreign companies, they are not persuaded by measures to support the IT sector from the state.



Someone has already left, someone is just planning to do it. Not only individuals, but even entire companies, move their staff abroad. The shortage of qualified professionals is increasing and many problems are worsening.

Experts are confident that a new wave of brain drain will hit data security in Russia hard. Attackers will be able to freely access information systems.

The development of Russian services will slow down, it will be difficult to talk about adequate import substitution in the digital sphere. Many other industries that are related to IT will suffer from this.



Why do IT people leave?

1. Until recently, he worked in Moscow, had friends and worked at Sberbank, had some plans. After the war began, I realized there were no more plans. They opened an IP with friends to pay taxes in Georgia. I will not go back to support what is happening.” “My parents understand, but they keep asking me when I’m coming. I'm going to visit them after July 15, when the call ends. My biggest fear is being in the Russian army, said Philippe, 23.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Russia could have a good future in the IT sector. It is enough to look at our applications, which are not inferior in functionality to Western ones. But now it is not clear what will happen to all this.” “I look at many of my colleagues and see that they did not leave because of repression. There are no victims of the regime, they simply do not want to lose their quality of life. They do not want to live worse on their own, and do not want the lives of their families to deteriorate, the 30-year-old wrote.
   
   
3. I moved to Georgia because it is a very politicized country. It is enough to walk through the streets to see anti-war graffiti and Ukrainian flags. Everything is against war and I feel that people share my position.” I think that Russian society is not politicized enough, and this is its big problem. We have been taught for decades that one should not get involved in politics, that one should not be interested in it. We all see what this has done.”
   
   “I believe that in an ideal society, every second citizen should aspire to become a municipal deputy. Not to steal, but to make your street and your neighborhood better, says 33-year-old Oleg.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Of course, the reasons for moving from Russia are very different. Some had problems with software and hardware. Others left for their companies and colleagues. Others are not willing to work in places where there is less freedom. The fourth is frightened by the imminent economic collapse. The fifth is in a hurry to leave while it is still possible.

In the first days of the war, about 25,000 IT workers moved to Georgia alone. Many Russian specialists went to Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Thailand. Also traditionally go to Germany, Great Britain, Canada, USA.



It is clear that there is nothing good for Russia in this situation. Even an industry that has developed well is taking a big step back. And this will necessarily backfire in various areas of business, affect the overall development of the country.