In recent years, Germany has faced a growing challenge that puts at risk its ambition to become a global benchmark for startups and cutting-edge technology: the talent shortage in key fields for the development of emerging technologies.
A few days ago, I read an article on the subject in sifted.eu and the issue is really worrying, since it not only affects companies in the startup phase but also how it could hinder the technological progress of the country and the continent.
A startup based in Münster, Pixel photonics exemplifies this challenge. Dedicated to the manufacture of single photon detectors for applications in quantum computing, communications, microscopy, and health diagnostics, has had to extend its search for talent beyond German and European borders. Despite its efforts and the capital it has raised both from private investors and subsidies from the EU and Germany, finding the right profiles, from clean room technicians to engineers and system administrators has become a herculean task.
Hiring outside the European Union presents a maze of bureaucratic obstacles for German companies. From obtaining visas to signing employment contracts, to waiting for tax numbers, these are processes that significantly slow down startups. On the other hand, competition for talent intensifies with the presence of corporate giants such as Intel and TSMC that with their multimillion-dollar investments in semiconductor factories, attract a significant number of qualified professionals.
The global competition by specialized talent is not the only challenge; The very structure of the German labor market aggravates the situation. Germany lacks 310,000 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals and has seen student interest in these areas decline. This especially affects deep tech startups (deep technology) that require highly specialized skills and often unique to their sector.
The process of moving international talent to Germany is complex and sometimes daunting. The challenges range from obtaining visas to cultural integration, including finding housing in a market not always open to foreigners. Bureaucracy and a sometimes reticent welcoming culture work against the agility that startups need to grow and compete on a global level.
It is necessary that in Europe simplify the process immigration and settlement foreign skilled workers. Likewise, I believe that both the educational and government sectors must work together to increase interest and training in STEM fields, thus ensuring a constant flow of local and international talent towards the areas of innovation that the country seeks to lead.
The promotion of double degrees, such as quantum physics and computer science, together with government financial support beyond traditional student aid, could be a good starting point, but the education system has to step up to the plate to offer what the market needs.