On November 20, 2025, in Dnipro, IT Dnipro Community, together with the Dnipro City Council and with the support of CentralUkraineEDIH, held one of the most important events of the year for the region’s IT community \u2014 IT Dnipro Conference 2025. During the conference, the industry\u2019s development was reviewed, the Dnipro IT Ecosystem Research 2025 study was presented, and strategies for the further development of the IT ecosystem were formed in the context of the ongoing war and global changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a look at what the study actually revealed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The IT sector in Dnipro, like in Ukraine as a whole, is undergoing unprecedented transformations. Over the past six years, the absence of a comprehensive systemic study of the market situation has been a significant gap. The last analytical measurements were taken in 2019, and since then, the situation has changed dramatically. Now, in a world where each day brings new challenges, data has become both desirable and critically necessary for shaping the IT sector development strategy. Therefore, understanding the actual state of the IT ecosystem has become a matter of utmost importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the first study in Ukraine that not only analyzes individual aspects of the IT industry but provides a comprehensive picture of the entire IT ecosystem in the region. The study covers not only business but also education, infrastructure, markets, human capital, and interaction with authorities. This allows for identifying not only the scale of the industry but also the logic behind its development. Such a study provides the first clear understanding of how the regional IT market actually works, who forms its strength, and where its weaknesses lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The research methodology included three main stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To ensure the reliability of the data, triangulation was used, which minimized the risk of obtaining anomalous data and provided the most accurate picture of the actual market situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conference participants gained a range of insights regarding both the region\u2019s strengths and its current challenges. One of the most striking discoveries was that, despite the military difficulties, Dnipro remains one of the largest and most stable IT hubs in Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few interesting numbers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dnipro is an economically stable region with a strong industrial base. The city maintains a high concentration of specialists working physically in the city, making it one of the most stable IT hubs in Ukraine. This allows IT companies to maintain stability and develop innovative products in times of instability.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00abWe didn\u2019t realize the scale of IT for the city before. Today, a third of private entrepreneurs are IT specialists\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Volodymyr Miller, Dnipro City Council<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Strengthening the adaptability of the region’s economy, a significant source of tax revenue, a stable share of gross value added in the region’s economy, growth and preservation of employment, retention of specialists from migration, and the development of innovation \u2014 all these are key aspects that highlight the importance of the IT sector for the stability and development of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The full public version of the study is available via the link<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, not all the news was positive. The study revealed that there are several serious challenges that could impact the further development of the IT industry in Dnipro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The security factor remains the biggest risk. The constant threat and unstable situation on the front significantly complicate business development, especially when it comes to attracting new talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00abThe industry is alive \u2014 we gather, talk, and look for ways to improve the system. The war is a challenge, but also an opportunity. Sectors like cybersecurity are growing quickly. Demand remains high\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Dmytro Kravchuk, Protagonist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u00abThe development of engineering incentives in IT is positive. The war has activated new sectors: drones, missiles, defense technologies. A powerful cluster of startups is forming here, and money will continue to flow into these niches\u00bb,<\/em> \u2014 Oleksandr Kholodov, Strix Air<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n It was also noted that there is exhaustion and cognitive risks. Prolonged stress and uncertainty affect work efficiency, both at the top management level and among specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shortage of junior specialists was discussed separately, which is a consequence of the forced relocation of young professionals and the low demand for junior talent due to the change in the strategies of many companies. Additionally, gaps in education were highlighted, as it does not prepare specialized personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00abThe approach to education is changing: the city is shaping the preparation of specialists in the production field with an emphasis on IT. We see potential for technical development and defense solutions\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Volodymyr Miller, Dnipro City Council<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u00abA trend of sectoral specialization in IT is emerging in education. The challenge is that universities are not preparing specialists for adjacent sectors, for example \u2014 for the agricultural sector\u00bb,<\/em> \u2014 Oksana Yashchenko, Credit Agricole Bank<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u00abDeeper collaboration is needed: development centers, R&D hubs, spaces for students and educators. We are changing the philosophy of education \u2014 from school to vocational schools and practice. More professional training is required\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Volodymyr Miller, Dnipro City Council<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u00abThere are few trainee programs, but we are working on the system. We are formalizing processes, creating further education, and are ready to invest. But trainees need to understand: more effort and involvement are required\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Serhiy Hladun, Agilie<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n In addition, after discussing the results of the study, the conference participants highlighted specific challenges and risks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00abThere is a lack of product competencies and product management culture. The demand for training is huge, but there are very few who can teach effectively. We have strong specialists, but they need to be trained in product thinking\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Olena Korsun, SoftServe<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u00abProcesses have become more complex. In 2022, we were supported by clients \u2014 and this trust continues. But now sales go through more stages: expert evaluation, security conditions, transparent process descriptions\u00bb<\/em>, \u2014 Serhiy Hladun, Agilie<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Dnipro has clear potential for development in several strategic directions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dnipro IT Ecosystem Research 2025 showed the actual state and became a driver for exchanging ideas and formulating specific development strategies for the region\u2019s IT ecosystem. The study and discussions emphasized the importance of IT as the foundation of Dnipro\u2019s economy and identified key vectors for further development. All conference participants agreed that, despite the challenges, Dnipro\u2019s IT sector has great potential for future growth and global expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The research was carried out in collaboration with the research agency <\/em>Fama – Custom Research Agency<\/em><\/a>, commissioned by IT Dnipro Community, with the support of the research partners:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Credit Agricole Ukraine<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Yalantis<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>SoftServe<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Clarity Project<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Centum-D<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>GenovaWebArt<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>EPAM Systems<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Erbis<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>SOLVVE<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Work.ua<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Ardas<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Penguin-team<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>law firm “\u041f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u0435 \u0434\u0456\u043b\u043e”<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>DataArt<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The project was created within the framework of <\/em>Centra<\/em><\/a>l<\/a><\/em> Ukraine EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub)<\/em><\/a>, an international initiative designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises, communities, and public institutions in Central Ukraine adapt to digital transformation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\nWhat does Dnipro gain from IT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Challenges and reality of 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Strategic prospects for Dnipro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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