Germany has the largest information technology (IT) market in Europe and one of the most important markets in the world. While it is home to some globally leading IT companies, the German IT industry is more accurately characterized by highly specialized small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and many vibrant IT start-up companies. A major challenge for the German IT industry that runs as a common theme through the present study is the use of new technologies as companies need to continue investing in innovations and technologies to keep up with the global pace of innovation. In this context, the companies seek to recruit highly skilled IT professionals. However, the supply of skilled labor is short, which is another theme that arises in this study. © 2020 The Author(s).