Democracy as an economic factor: Entrepreneurs warn of a shortage of skilled workers!

Democracy as an economic factor: Entrepreneurs warn of a shortage of skilled workers!

Potsdam, where the time-honored 3rd Guard Uhlan Barracks once stood, is now home to a medical technology company that is attracting attention with innovations and an international workforce. Christoph Miethke, who runs the company, employs 280 people from 27 different countries, including six refugees. The young company specializes in the export of neurosurgical implants and supplies over 60 countries worldwide. creditreform.de reports that Miethke emphasizes the importance of a free market economy and legal certainty in a democratic state for economic success.

But not everything is going well for German companies. There are concerns in the economy, particularly given the skills shortage, with an unmet need of almost 600,000 skilled workers in the German market. The association “The Family Businesses” warns of the negative consequences of the AfD's trade policy, while the German Economic Institute (IW) points to the crucial economic costs of a possible German exit from the EU and the Eurozone. This all has an impact on the recruitment of international talent, who may have to fear discrimination in structurally weak regions such as Brandenburg or Saxony.

Skilled labor shortages and migration

A study by Deutschlandfunk sheds light on Germany's demographic problems: Birth rates have been too low for over 50 years, leading to a significant shortage of skilled workers. There are currently around 6.7 million foreign employees working in jobs subject to social security contributions; a number that has increased over the last decade. Interestingly, it turns out that people without a German passport contribute an astonishing 13.2% to gross value added, even if they are repeatedly confronted with hurdles such as racism and bureaucratic difficulties.

The political landscape also adds to the complexity. Economists recommend targeted investments in the training of migrants to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. 73% of companies perceive the AfD as a risk to securing skilled workers. This situation could become even worse if the AfD's restrictive stance towards migration leads to a decline in international applicants.

Commitment to diversity

Companies are aware of the need to invest in diversity programs to combat discrimination and attract talent. Miethke is committed to diversity in various clubs and associations and is active on the executive board of the IHK Potsdam. Medium-sized businesses are watching the right-wing populist trends and their potential influence on the German economy with concern. Companies like Miethke's medical technology company rely on transparent communication guidelines and internal training to create a discussion-friendly and open working environment.

While the barracks in Potsdam prepare a piece of the past - once a military town for the Soviet army, today a place of creative development with an architectural award for successful conversions - companies are faced with the challenge of promoting social cohesion and achieving economic success at the same time. The answers lie not only in the power of innovation, but also in the commitment to democracy and social responsibility.