Lippe industrial site in danger: Act now for a strong future!

Lippe industrial site in danger: Act now for a strong future!

A serious problem is emerging in Lippe: the future of the regional industrial location is in danger. According to a current position paper from the IHK Lippe, it is crucial for the companies based there to address the existing challenges. High location costs, powerful bureaucracy, crumbling infrastructure and, last but not least, the dire shortage of skilled workers are identified as the main problems that must be urgently addressed. Oliver Voßhenrich, Chairman of the Industry Committee, emphasizes that no delay can be tolerated and that quick action is required. The IHK calls on regional actors in politics and administration to set the course for the future of the industrial location. Reference is also made to the need to reform the legal basis of federal and EU politics in order to improve the situation.

A current survey shows that companies in Germany, and therefore also in Lippe, are suffering greatly from the shortage of skilled workers. As the DIHK reports, around 1.8 million jobs are unfilled in the economy as a whole, which poses a significant threat to economic growth. 82% of the companies surveyed alone fear negative consequences from the shortage of skilled workers. Key industries such as machine tool construction and motor vehicle construction are particularly affected. Far-reaching measures are necessary to counteract this worrying situation. This also includes intensifying training and further education as well as the immigration of skilled workers from abroad in order to better utilize the potential of the available workforce.

Important changes and solutions

The IHK Lippe position paper suggests concrete measures to strengthen the location. This includes curbing the flood of regulations and removing unnecessary regulations in order to free companies from bureaucratic obstacles. The focus should also be on optimizing administrative processes and promoting digitalization. According to Matthias Carl, Managing Director of the IHK Lippe, a regular exchange on topics like these would be essential in order to better master the challenges. More transparent and simpler procedures could not only increase company satisfaction, but also increase the attractiveness of the location.

The IHK also recommends closer cooperation between companies and educational institutions. This could help to make the training content more contemporary and to produce the urgently needed dual-trained specialists. Above all, integrating economic topics into lessons could better prepare the next generations for the challenges of the labor market.

Shortage of skilled workers as a common concern

The shortage of skilled workers is not just an industrial problem, but affects all sectors, including healthcare, catering and trades. The Statista data shows that the number of unfilled training positions is constantly increasing and not only companies but also the entire economy is ultimately suffering. More than 90 billion euros in added value could be lost in 2023 – a loss of more than 2% of gross domestic product. This makes it all the more important to promote the immigration of skilled workers and to improve the framework conditions for successful integration.

The discussion about these topics is of great importance. Only if companies, politicians and educational institutions pull together can a solution be found that provides confidence for the future of the economy in Lippe and beyond. This is also the reason why constructive discourse and active measures are required right now.