The software and IT services sector started 2013 strongly, with 135 projects recorded globally in the first month of the year, according to greenfield investment monitor, fDi Markets. The performance of the sector wained towards the end of the year, however, with just 77 projects recorded in December.
The US received the highest level of inward investment within the software and IT services sector, accounting for 255 projects tracked during 2013. Investment into the US software and IT services sector fell by 72% between January and December, reflecting the global decline in the sector. The UK received the second highest level of inward investment in the sector during the period, with 207 projects. Investment into the country experienced 21% growth between January and December.
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Proximity to markets or customers, and skilled workforces were the most commonly cited reasons for investments in the US and the UK.
London was the most popular city for investment in the software and IT services sector in 2013, with 118 projects recorded in the city. Singapore and New York ranked second and third with 70 and 59 projects, respectively.
In terms of capital investment, the Netherlands was the leading country, with $3.19bn of capital invested in its software and IT services sector in 2013. The US ranked in second place with total capital investment of $2.42bn. The UK was fourth in terms of capital investment, with $1.81bn invested during 2013.