Enterprises' IT expenditure, 2018

Enterprises spent less on IT equipment in 2018

Statistical news from Statistics Sweden 2019-10-02 9.30

Enterprises’ expenditures on hardware and software amounted to SEK 61.5 billion in 2018. This is a decrease of just over 5.5 percent compared with 2017. However, leasing expenses for IT equipment increased by about 7 percent in the same period. Among the largest enterprises (250 employees or more), hardware and software accounted for 66 percent of expenses.

IT expenditures decreased by more than 7 percent among the largest companies (250 employees or more) compared with 2017. Enterprises in the information and communication industries accounted for one fourth and manufacturing accounted for one fifth of all enterprises’ purchases of hardware and software. Among smaller enterprises, expenses remained largely unchanged.

Enterprises’ IT expenditures have increased since 2009

Enterprises’ expenditures on hardware and software increased by SEK 29 billion compared to 2009, which is an increase by more than 90 percent. Between 2009 and 2013, IT expenditures increased by more than SEK 9.6 billion, while between 2014 and 2018, the increase was approximately SEK 18.2 billion.

Enterprises’ expenditures on computer and telecommunication equipment, software and leasing, 2009-2018, SEK millions

Software accounts for the largest share of total expenditures; it has increased over the last ten years, but decreased in 2018 compared to 2017. The manufacturing industry accounted for the largest share of software in 2018, in which software expenditures increased by more than 8 percent compared to 2017.

Enterprises’ expenditures on computer equipment amounted to SEK 13.1 billion in 2018, which is a decrease of more than SEK 1 billion compared to 2017.

Enterprises’ expenditures on telecommunication equipment amounted to SEK 10.7 billion in 2018. Information and communications enterprises accounted for more than 60 percent of these expenses (SEK 6.8 billion).

Expenditures on leasing of IT equipment have varied since 2009. Over the last five years, these expenditures increased by approximately 15 percent. Expenditures for leasing include operating/rental leasing (SEK 5.8 billion) and finance leasing (SEK 511 million).

IT costs vary between industries and enterprises

More than 60 percent of enterprises’ total IT expenditures go to software purchases. Most software, as a share of total IT expenditures, was purchased by enterprises from the manufacturing industry, finance and insurance industry and trade. Among the largest enterprises (250 employees or more), hardware and software accounted for 66 percent of expenses.

This group of enterprises reduced IT expenditures between 2017 and 2018. Changes in IT expenditures among smaller enterprises (10-49 employees) remained within the statistical margin of error.

Enterprises' IT expenditures, size class, 2009-2018, SEK millions

The figure below shows the seven industries with the highest IT expenditures compared with 2009. The growth of total IT expenses varies among industries. The information and communication industry, the energy and recycling industry and other service industries have increased IT expenses in 2018. Total hardware and software expenditures have decreased by more than SEK 3.6 billion compared to 2017.

Enterprises' IT expenditures, industries with the largest IT expenses, 2009-2018, SEK millions

Enterprises’ IT services

An IT service means that enterprises might purchase IT services rather than purchase computers. IT services can include service, maintenance, and more, and are carried out by an external supplier either externally or internally at the enterprise.

Enterprises’ purchases of internal and external IT services, 2014-2018, SEK millions

Enterprises’ purchases of IT services, selected industries, 2014-2018, SEK millions

Definitions and explanations

Expenses refer to the purchase of computers, telecommunication equipment, software, and renting and leasing of computers and telecommunication equipment. IT services were also included in the survey, by internal and external purchases.

The population consists of enterprises with 10 or more employees with operations, according to NACE 2007, in mining and quarrying of minerals (B), manufacturing (C), supply of electricity, gas, heating and cooling (D), water supply (E), construction industry (F), trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G), transport and storage (H), hotel and restaurant industry (I), information and communication industries (J), financial operations (K), real estate service (L), business services (M), renting, real estate services, travel industry and other support services (N), culture, entertainment and leisure (R), and other service operations (S). The enterprises are divided into three size classes: 10-49 employees, 50-249 employees, and enterprises with 250 or more employees. The population is based on information in Statistics Sweden’s Business Register. The frame that is used is from November 2018.

All amounts are in current prices.

Statistical Database

More information is available in the Statistical Database

Feel free to use the facts from this statistical news but remember to state Source: Statistics Sweden.