[Press release] Growth, Innovation and Responsible Digital: ESN & ICT stay the course for 2024

A resilient sector in an uncertain economic environment

The year 2024 promises to be a period of transformation for ESN (Entreprises de Services du Numérique) and ICT (Ingénierie et Conseil en Technologies). The main growth drivers this year are the ability to recruit (23%), external acquisitions, and positioning in buoyant sectors such as financial services, energy and industry, which continue to dominate the growth landscape.

Rapid innovation and investment in artificial intelligence (AI) are now strategic imperatives for staying competitive. Digital transformation consulting remains the most dynamic service for 25% of companies, followed by applications/software and cybersecurity.

Finally, 96% of companies are confident or very confident in their 3-year growth objectives, up 3 points on our previous survey.

Talent management, still a strategic challenge in 2024

In 2024, despite a slight slowdown, companies are maintaining their ambitious recruitment targets. The digital sector remains under pressure, and recruitment plans for 2024 show positive momentum, with strong demand for experienced profiles (over 3 years’ experience), which remain the most sought-after skills for 77% of respondents. Cybersecurity skills are particularly in demand (26% of companies). The proportion of freelancers, independent contractors and subcontractors is also on the rise, reaching 7% of the workforce for large companies and 21% for SMEs and VSEs, reflecting a need for flexibility. The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (GAI) on recruitment plans is also significant, with 67% of ESNs and ICTs believing that AI or GAI are influencing their recruitment strategies.

Unlike the previous survey, which focused mainly on salary increases, in 2024 the means of retaining talent considered most effective was flexible working hours (21%), followed by training plans (20%). In addition, the average salary increase granted to employees in 2023 was 5%. Companies show great confidence in their ability to achieve their 3-year recruitment targets, with 93% declaring themselves confident or very confident.

Digital responsibility remains a top priority for ESN and ICT companies

NSEs and ICTs are stepping up their commitment to social and environmental responsibility in 2024. The study reveals that 69% of companies have set targets for reducing their carbon footprint, with 28% aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. What’s more, 84% are now tracking their carbon footprint, up 6% on the previous year.

At the same time, ESG criteria are increasingly integrated into overall strategy, with 72% of companies reporting these issues to senior management.

Another strong sign of this evolution is that 83% of ESN and ICT companies have created a dedicated CSR/ESG committee within their governance, confirming the importance of these issues. This strengthened governance is accompanied by the creation of innovative products and services with ESG objectives: 33% of companies have already developed and marketed tech for good solutions, while 37% are in the process of developing new offerings for a more responsible and sustainable digital world. The alignment of corporate values with societal challenges also continues, with 59% of companies having defined a raison d “être, and 43% having incorporated it into their articles of association, up 6% on the previous survey. Finally, 37% of companies say they are in the process of defining their own raison d” être.

Innovation at the heart of ESN and ICT strategy: an essential lever for growth

In 2024, innovation continues to play a central role in the strategy of ESNs and ICTs, with significant investments to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a major priority: 28% of companies are integrating AI, including IAG, into their innovation projects. At the same time, 20% of companies are focusing their efforts on cybersecurity, an area that has become indispensable in the face of increasing cyberthreats and the need to secure digital infrastructures. These forward-looking investments concern several priority technological areas: artificial intelligence (28%), cybersecurity (20%), cloud (16%), application software (14%), and DevOps and DevSecOps methodologies (4%). These technologies enable companies to stay at the forefront of innovation, while optimizing their internal operations.

Almost 50% of ESNs and ICTs now work with external partners, such as start-ups, universities, public and private laboratories, to boost their capacity for innovation. Of these collaborations, 69% involve start-ups and scale-ups, while 38% of companies partner with universities and laboratories to strengthen their projects. Investment in innovation is not limited to new technologies: AI is used by 73% of companies to automate administrative tasks, improve process efficiency and enhance their agility in the face of market changes. On average, companies allocate 0.9% of their sales to AI, a figure that could rise to 1.2% within three years, underlining the strategic importance of this technology for the future.

The winners of the ESN & ICT 2024 Awards

• Growth Strategy Prize awardedto Thales
• CSR / ESG Criteria Prize awardedto Constellation
• Talent Management Awardto Alteca
• Innovation Prize awardedto Tenexa
• Audience prize awardedto SII