Why Is Georgia’s IT Sector Still Concentrated Almost Entirely in Cities?

Georgia’s IT sector is growing rapidly, but this growth comes with a clear geographic imbalance — most professionals live and work in urban centers. According to 2023 data, 93% of IT professionals in Georgia reside in cities. This figure shows that despite the digital nature of the field and the potential for remote work, the sector remains highly centralized.

One of the key reasons lies in education. Most universities, training centers, and tech academies are located in Tbilisi or other major cities. Young people who pursue a career in IT usually start their education in cities and continue working there afterward. In contrast, regional areas often lack the necessary educational infrastructure to support such career paths.

The job market structure plays a major role as well. The vast majority of IT companies in Georgia are based in Tbilisi. While many positions could technically be performed remotely, many still require occasional in-person meetings, team collaboration, or at least a hybrid work format — all of which favor being physically close to company offices. Many Georgian organizations are still transitioning toward fully remote models and often prefer office-based work arrangements.

It’s also important to consider that a large portion of the IT workforce is young. One-third of professionals are under the age of 26. Younger individuals are more likely to live in cities, where they have access to education, career development, and a more vibrant social environment. Urban life tends to align more closely with their personal and professional needs.

Despite the technical feasibility, remote work is still limited in practice. In 2023, only 26% of IT professionals in Georgia were working remotely — meaning they spent more than half of their working days from home. While remote work became more common after the pandemic, it has yet to become the dominant format in the local context.

This model also requires organizational adaptation. While remote work can be efficient, it depends on strong internal communication, digital workflows, results-based management, and a culture of trust. Many companies are still learning how to manage these shifts effectively and remain more comfortable with traditional office-based operations.

Similar patterns are seen globally. In many EU countries, the IT workforce is also concentrated in urban centers. However, there is a growing movement toward decentralization — through regional hubs, satellite offices, or fully remote teams — enabling companies to reach talent beyond capital cities.

For Georgia, this could become a strategic direction. Investing in regional tech infrastructure, expanding high-speed internet access, and supporting local education centers would allow people to build IT careers without needing to move to the capital. It could also help reduce urban-rural divides and support more balanced economic development.

If remote work culture strengthens and companies become more flexible, the IT sector can expand beyond Tbilisi. This shift would not only improve access to jobs for people in different regions, but also distribute economic activity more evenly across the country. Decentralization in IT is not just a technical shift — it’s also about unlocking opportunity, inclusion, and regional growth.

Find the BTU’s research report on IT sector trends here.