INVESTMENTS
LITHUANIA’S GBS & ICT OPERATIONS: GRADUALLY CLIMBING THE VALUE CHAIN At the beginning of 2021, after a turbulent and unpredictable 2020, Lithuania proved it is still the top choice for global ICT leaders in search of first-rate talent and a mature infrastructure. SOLID GROWTH IN SPITE OF A DIFFICULT YEAR In IBM’s recently published Global Location Trends Report, Lithuania now ranks in the Top 3 in Europe for attracting FDI jobs per capita across all sectors. But what is outstanding is the fact that Lithuania was recognized as the #1 destination in Europe for ICT jobs per capita. This should come as no surprise when you consider how many well-known international Technology leaders chose Lithuania in 2020 for the expansion of an existing presence, or the setting up of new operations. What makes Lithuania the first choice for Technology leaders? Let’s dive in.
THE TECH GEMS OF 2020 Never waste a good crisis, they say. And Lithuania certainly did not. Even during 2020, Lithuania was able to attract some truly big industry names. One of the first movers to the market in 2020, the US technology leader Rocket Software, has plans to ramp up its next-generation Software development centre in Vilnius to 200 engineers and programmers within 2–3 years. Bostonbased Rocket Software specializes in IBM Z, IBM Power, and database and connectivity solutions, helping leading businesses leverage open source, cloud and artificial intelligence technologies. The Vilnius branch was fast to win its clients’ trust and now runs end-to-end R&D processes. And, after only a few short months of being part of the company, the Lithuanian team had already won
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One of these, Nasdaq – the world’s leading exchange and technology company, expanded its Global Technology and Business Services centre by 100 additional technology experts. Nasdaq’s team in Vilnius is integral to developing, testing and delivering state-of-the-art technology which powers trading venues, clearinghouses, CSDs and corporates around the world. According to Arminta Saladziene, VP at Nasdaq and Vilnius Site Lead – Vilnius has two main features that are essential for GBS & ICT operations: a well – developed infrastructure and a robust Another great achievement for the local pool of highly skilled technology specia Tech community is the arrival of global lists. Nasdaq’s expanded Vilnius team will digital platform engineering and soft- further focus on core technology areas as ware development player EPAM. This data analytics, technology development, new entrant will become an active cybersecurity and cloud operations. member of the local Technology cluster by supporting its key global clients’ busi- And these are only a few examples ness and technology transformation from a long list, proving that Lithuania programs. Its new Vilnius team will work continues to serve the needs of global with top-notch technology stacks such Tech leaders. as artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud and DevOps, software and DIGITALIZATION data engineering, IoT and automation. In OF THE INDUSTRY IS ON THE RISE the words of EPAM Chief Financial Officer, Lithuania’s entire GBS & ICT industry is Jason Peterson – We are impressed with following the path towards digitalization. Lithuania’s dynamic ICT sector. The country And this drive is not only limited to ICT is home to a fast-growing IT and engi- centres that implement advanced techneering community, and we expect to nology solutions and practices – the local settle in quickly and become an essential market is also witnessing representatives part of it. from other industries implementing valuable Automation and Technology initia Alongside the arrival of elite global names, tives. Financial institutions and manuLithuania had more to celebrate during facturing companies are also actively a challenging year: existing market players pursuing various digital operations in also found opportunities for growth. their Lithuanian offices.
the newcomer award at the annual Rocket Software Hackathon. According to Elinga Kavaliauskienė, Senior Director at Rocket Software Lithuania – Lithuania has already proven itself as one of the top destinations for creating successful and highly performing IT centres in Europe. Therefore, it is not a surprise that Rocket Software decided to choose Vilnius as our next destination in Europe. Rocket Software Lithuania started strong by taking on an extremely complex Performance Monitoring product family and showing great results globally!
Outsourcing&More | March–April 2021
