A survey by Ernst & Young revealed that over 50 per cent of entrepreneurs across the world are planning to increase their workforce this year. As per this new research report, 'Global Jobs Creation', 74 per cent entrepreneurs raised headcount during 2012 and 54 per cent are likely to strengthen their workforce in 2013."It's fascinating to see this type of success across the board at a time when just about every leading global economic indicator reports modest or no growth," said Maria Pinelli, Ernst & Young Global Vice Chair, Strategic Growth Markets.The survey covered over 600 major entrepreneurs across the world and provided insights about talent requirements of entrepreneurs from different sectors. According to the report, specific skills that are in great demand include industry knowledge (57 per cent), sales and marketing (25 per cent), and management/leadership (22 per cent).

Pinelli further said given youth unemployment problems in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Southern Europe, there is a huge gap between what rapidly-expanding emerging growth companies need and the skills of the current worker pool. The report also reveals that forty-three percent respondents say that a passion for their product or service was the driving force behind their entry into a given market. Improving an existing product or service came second at 36%. Tapping into niche markets was third at 33%.

Source: The Economic Times