Training needs assessment in the IT industry: a decade of insights and emerging research opportunities

Purpose The growing demands of the IT sector have intensified the focus on Training Needs Assessment (TNA) among researchers, academicians and industry professionals because of its crucial role in workforce development and organizational efficiency. Given the IT industry’s global significance, this study aims to systematically review the literature on TNA, highlighting its role in strengthening workforce capabilities and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the SCOPUS database, with VOSviewer used to map publication trends, key journals, authors and leading contributors in the field. Relevant keywords ensured a comprehensive and focused literature search on TNA in the IT sector. Findings The analysis reveals that while TNA is gaining momentum in IT, its application is still in a developmental phase. Key research themes include its role in skill enhancement, competency mapping and improving employee productivity. However, challenges such as implementation difficulties and alignment with rapidly evolving industry needs persist, indicating areas for further research and practical intervention. Research limitations/implications This study offers a foundational perspective for IT professionals, academicians and policymakers on the benefits of TNA. However, it is limited to SCOPUS-indexed literature and does not include insights from other databases or qualitative inputs from industry practitioners. Originality/value This research presents a novel bibliometric view of TNA in IT, revealing key contributors, themes and gaps, with actionable insights for talent development and growth.