CFOs plan to keep a tight grip on the purse strings over the next year, but they'll keep spending on technology. In the latest Duke University/CFO Magazine Global Business Outlook survey, the 400 respondents expected tech spending to rise an average 8 percent in the next 12 months, up from 6 percent last quarter. And tech hiring was expected to grow 5 percent, compared with growth of 2.5 percent in jobs overall. That dovetails with a Dice survey, in which 73 percent of IT-focused recruiters and hiring managers expected companies to add more tech staff during the second half. That’s up from 65 percent six months ago. Sixty percent of the finance chiefs said they're looking to add staff, though the CFO poll isn't specific to tech. Spending on research and development is expected to rise 3 percent. The Beige Book survey of the Federal Reserve, meanwhile, noted moderate economic growth across the country, with companies continuing to hire. Boston's regional bank -- site of one of tech's fastest-growing tech job markets -- noted strong demand of software and information technology services from healthcare and financial companies. Most firms contacted were increasing IT headcount, as well as billable consultants. Related Links:
CFOs Expect Growth in Tech Spending, Hiring
CFOs plan to keep a tight grip on the purse strings over the next year, but they'll keep spending on technology. In the latest Duke University/CFO Magazine Global Business Outlook survey, the 400 respondents expected tech spending to rise an average 8 percent in the next 12 months, up from 6 percent last quarter. And tech hiring was expected to grow 5 percent, compared with growth of 2.5 percent in jobs overall. That dovetails with a Dice survey, in which 73 percent of IT-focused recruiters and hiring managers expected companies to add more tech staff during the second half. That’s up from 65 percent six months ago. Sixty percent of the finance chiefs said they're looking to add staff, though the CFO poll isn't specific to tech. Spending on research and development is expected to rise 3 percent. The Beige Book survey of the Federal Reserve, meanwhile, noted moderate economic growth across the country, with companies continuing to hire. Boston's regional bank -- site of one of tech's fastest-growing tech job markets -- noted strong demand of software and information technology services from healthcare and financial companies. Most firms contacted were increasing IT headcount, as well as billable consultants. Related Links:
