Lack of engineers means that tasks are not solved
NITO's Needs Survey 2026 shows that many companies are still struggling to recruit engineers, and most expect greater needs in the future. The use of artificial intelligence is increasing, but has little impact on the need for engineering expertise.
This year's survey shows that 53 percent of the companies find it fairly or very difficult to get hold of qualified engineers. At the same time, seven out of ten believe that increased use of artificial intelligence will not reduce the need for engineering expertise.
When companies cannot get hold of engineers, it is noticeable in the deliveries. 36 percent answer that tasks are not solved. Others state that positions are left unfilled (16 per cent), or that they have to buy consultancy services (13 per cent).
In the municipal sector, this means, among other things, that planning and building services, local emergency preparedness work and tasks in water and sewerage services may suffer due to the shortage of engineers.
The fact that so many tasks are not solved because there is a lack of engineers shows how vulnerable Norway has become. This is not about luxury, but about solving very basic tasks in society.
NITO President Kjetil Lein
The majority expects a greater need for engineers
56 percent of the companies believe they will need more engineering positions in the next three years.
56% state that they believe that there will be a need for more engineers in the future
The need varies between sectors. The private sector expects the greatest growth: 62 percent believe they will need more engineers. In the local government sector, 27 per cent think the same, while a majority believe the need will remain unchanged.
Most companies also expect recruitment to be demanding in the future. 58 percent believe it will be fairly or very difficult to get hold of qualified engineers in the next three years.
"It is worrying that the supply of qualified engineers is not keeping up, when the need for expertise increases. When more than half of the companies believe it will be difficult to recruit in the next three years, it is a warning shot we must take seriously," Lein points out.
Strong growth in the use of artificial intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence is increasing rapidly. 66 per cent of the companies have already used AI to solve work tasks, a clear increase from the previous year, and 22 per cent are also considering using the technology. Half of the companies have provided employees with training in how AI works.
66% answer that the company has used AI to solve work tasks
Even though AI is being used by more and more people, most believe that the technology will not change the need for engineers.
When 7 out of 10 companies say that technology does not reduce the need for engineers, it tells us that Norway needs more expertise, not less.
NITO President Kjetil Lein.
Facts about the Needs Survey
The purpose of NITO's Needs Survey is to map how private and public enterprises experience the current situation and how they view the future with regard to meeting their need for engineers.
- Conducted by Ipsos on behalf of NITO
- Based on 700 telephone interviews in the period 13 January to 3 February 2026
- The respondents have full or partial responsibility for the employment of engineers
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