IT Industry Growth Study

The project entails a comprehensive examination of Nepal’s burgeoning IT industry, with a particular focus on the expansion and challenges associated with the export of IT services. The study aims to delve into the multifaceted role of the IT industry, including digital services and IT exports, in shaping Nepal’s economic landscape. The primary objective is to thoroughly assess the contribution of the IT sector to the country’s overall exports and its impact on foreign exchange earnings.

To achieve this, the study has several specific objectives, such as gaining insights into the current extent of IT services exports and their role in employment generation within Nepal. Additionally, the research will investigate existing gaps, challenges, and untapped opportunities within the IT service export domain. By identifying these key elements, the study aims to highlight potential areas for growth and improvement. Furthermore, the research will examine the policy landscape to identify measures that can effectively capitalize on opportunities while addressing obstacles hindering the growth of Nepal’s IT industry.

Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted for this assignment. The study utilized both phone surveys and face-to-face surveys. Focus group discussions, Key Informant Interviews (KII), and company surveys were conducted using face-to-face interview methods, while freelancer surveys were carried out via telephone. Secondary data was collected from NRB publications and the OLI database.

The project involved conducting interviews with 86 IT companies and 389 freelancers engaged in the export of IT services. The survey tools for IT companies and freelancers were digitized in the Kobo Collect application for real-time data collection. A total of 20 enumerators and two full-time IIDS staff members were engaged for this assignment.

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