ANIS Sentiment Survey 2025: Romanian IT remains on the rise, but is in a stage of caution and consolidation

According to the latest ANIS Sentiment Survey, conducted in August and September 2025, the IT industry in Romania continues to grow, but in a climate of fiscal uncertainty and economic volatility that pushes companies towards prudent consolidation and optimization strategies.

90% of ANIS member companies believe that the main factor for market growth in 2026 would be fiscal and legislative stability, after for 2025 the main factor with a negative impact on business (64%) and team size (62%) is considered to be the change in tax legislation, especially the elimination of the facility for IT professionals.

Find the full report here: ANIS Sentiment Survey

Moderate growth, major pressures

65% of companies reported increases in turnover in the last 12 months, while 18% recorded decreases. Expansion of the customer portfolio (44%), operational efficiency (33%) and diversification of services (28%) are the main growth drivers.

On the other hand, tax and legislative changes (64%), decreasing client budgets (59%) and increasing costs (59%) remain the main barriers to development.

Labor market: apparent stability, but with signs of polarization

54% of companies maintained their headcount, 31% expanded their teams, and 15% reported decreases. Structural adjustments mainly targeted hiring advanced skills (44%), reorganizing by specialization (36%) and reducing junior-level roles (31%).

A positive signal: 56% of companies are already running training and retraining programs, and 23% plan to invest in this direction, a sign of long-term commitment to workforce competitiveness.

Adapting through AI and Diversification

Companies are combining cost efficiency with investments in innovation: 62% are investing in automation and AI, 59% in diversifying their product and service portfolio, and 49% in expanding into new industries and customers.

Outlook for 2026: Cautious with growth potential

Looking ahead, 59% of companies expect stagnation or moderate growth, while 36% maintain an optimistic outlook. Factors considered critical for accelerating the market are: fiscal and legislative stability (90%), accelerated digitalization (41%), demand for IT services (36%), support for innovation and proprietary IP (28%), and availability of specialized talent (26%).

“The Romanian IT industry is at a defining moment: we are consolidating, optimizing and specializing, but with our eyes wide open towards innovation and added value. Success does not only depend on companies, but also on the environment in which they operate. It is essential to have predictability and public policies that stimulate investment, talent and innovation”, says Edward Crețescu, President of ANIS.

The IT industry remains a driving force for the Romanian economy, with a mix of resilience and adaptability. However, without a predictable fiscal and legislative framework, the long-term growth potential risks being hampered.