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Reducing Specialized Technology Talent Shortages Through Global Recruitment Networks: Implications for Digital Innovation and Productivity

Rasheed Akhigbe, Miracle Wikiri, Chioma Ann Udeh, Corresponding sender author

Abstract

Background: Persistent shortages of specialized technology skills alongside underused talent across regions limit broader talent access, project continuity, innovation, and productivity. Purpose: This conceptual review integrates research and institutional guidance published to date to explain the problem and develop an actionable framework for organizations seeking scarce software, data, cybersecurity, and AI capabilities. Method: The paper uses an integrative review organized around demand definition, evidence, interaction, decisions, transition, and feedback. Results: The synthesis identifies six recurring requirements: clear demand signals, job-relevant evidence, accessible communication, multidimensional matching, transition support, and governed learning. It proposes a five-stage model comprising Shortage diagnosis, Network formation, Portable skills evidence, Friction-aware deployment, Productivity evaluation. The model pairs each stage with controls and measures, including demand stability, evidence quality, conversion, time to contribution, sustained performance, and fairness indicators. Conclusion: Global recruitment networks and technology shortages should be managed as a connected socio-technical system. Organizations should pilot the model in a bounded role family, compare outcomes with a baseline, examine unequal effects, and revise the process before scaling.

Keywords

Global recruitment networks and technology shortagesworkforce systemstalent pipelinesskills assessmentorganizational performanceresponsible technology

References

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