Positive economic development in the Warendorf district: opportunities and challenges!

Positive economic development in the Warendorf district: opportunities and challenges!

Positive news comes from the Warendorf district: As the municipal company for economic development (gfw) states in its current annual report “Perspectives”, the economic situation in the district is encouraging. The report, published recently, highlights the positive growth associated with increasing employment and gross value added. District Administrator Dr. Olaf Gericke and managing director Petra Michalczak-Hülsmann also express the region's confidence in the editorial (wirtschaft-aktuell.de).

But there are also challenges. A central issue is the shortage of skilled workers, which is expected to become increasingly important. The need to integrate new digital technologies into products and processes is particularly emphasized. In this context, the change in demands on workers becomes clear: the young generation is placing increasing value on working and living conditions as well as the accessibility of employers. These shifts suggest that the world of work will look significantly different in the future.

Digitalization in focus

An interesting aspect of the report is the growing role of digitalization. According to an analysis, 86% of the German population is online and also uses the Internet for professional purposes. Nevertheless, the labor market in Germany is not yet fully digitalized. Four developments in particular have a lasting impact on the world of work: the mechanization of work, changes in business models, adjustments in work organization and the change in the required skills. 90% of companies see digitalization as an opportunity, and employees are also open to changes (bpb.de).

An updated projection from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs shows that the labor market will experience a 16% change by 2035, while at the same time the working population will decline. In particular, a shortage of skilled workers in the MINT and health sectors is expected. New job profiles in the areas of digital engineering, data science and e-commerce are emerging, while substitutability varies in different professions. Manufacturing jobs are particularly affected, as they come under pressure due to the decline in routine tasks (bmas.de).

Joint efforts for the future

gfw has launched various initiatives to offer support to companies in the region. This includes the “Attractive Employer Warendorf District 2025” competition, which aims to promote entrepreneurial commitment and further develop the district as a modern business location. Information on artificial intelligence is also provided to support companies in digital change.

gfw's cooperation with various actors - from companies to universities and administrations - shows that the Warendorf district wants to prepare well for the challenges ahead. Although the current forecasts show positive economic development, the issue of a shortage of skilled workers remains a constant side effect that requires strategic action.