Digital Nomads and Migration Processes in the Russian IT: A Political Analysis

Abstract

IT industry is one of the top priority areas for economic development not only in Russia, but also in other countries worldwide. The Russian government is pursuing a policy to promote the development of information technology in the country and support specialists in this field. The IT sphere is one of the most attractive among applicants, and the IT market volume shows stable growth. However, in the context of tightening Western sanctions and the aggravation of the political situation in February-March 2022, the Russian IT industry faced a massive outflow of qualified specialists from Russia. And although the problem of personnel shortage (including due to migration) has existed in Russia for a long time, the volume of the migration flow of IT specialists over the specified period was significant for the domestic IT industry. The author attempts to identify the reasons for the migration of IT specialists, considering various push and pull factors that exist in the context of the Russian IT market. To achieve this goal, the author conducted a semi-structured survey among representatives of the IT sector, including professionals who have already moved or are planning to move in the near future, as well as those who have decided to stay in Russia. Based on the results of the study, some particular and general factors for the migration of IT specialists were identified. In addition, the article gives the proposals of the interviewed specialists regarding state support for the IT industry.