The pharmaceutical sector raises concerns over talent deficits in MINT disciplines - The pharmaceutical sector issues alarm over insufficiency of proficient labor in STEM fields
The scarcity of skilled workers in various industries, coupled with an aging population, is a pressing issue. Particularly, the German pharmaceutical sector is sounding the alarm, warning of an imminent talent crunch that could jeopardize its innovative capabilities. As announced in Berlin, the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) has noted that the existing demand for highly educated professionals is not being met [1].
The root causes of this shortage are multifaceted. The nation's education system is grappling with diminishing student numbers in critical fields such as mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology, and engineering (MINT) [2]. Furthermore, the aging population contributes to the issue, as countless experienced employees are approaching retirement age. In the manufacturing sector alone, around 280,000 academics are estimated to retire within the next decade [3].
The pharmaceutical industry, with a 34.5% share of academics, is among those that will be significantly impacted by this issue [1]. Other industries, such as electronics and the automotive sector, also have high proportions of educated professionals, with estimates of around 25% and 49%, respectively [2].
This predicament isn't solely a temporary issue, but a deeply entrenched problem. VFA chief economist Claus Michelsen emphasized that without swift and comprehensive reforms, Germany could lag behind international competitors in the race for talent [1].
Addressing this structural challenge demands a multi-faceted, coordinated approach. A potential skilled worker strategy might include incentives to pursue MINT studies and targeted immigration of skilled professionals [4]. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating international students' stays are essential actions to consider.
Germany has already taken significant steps to attract skilled foreign workers. Recently, it introduced work visa reforms, including the "Opportunity Card" – a points-based system allowing job seekers to remain in Germany for up to a year while seeking employment [1]. The number of skilled worker visas has also increased, with over 198,000 issued in 2024 [2].
The government has also streamlined visa processing through a digital application portal and updated family reunification policies to support international workers' integration [1]. Although the enrichment data does not provide specific measures for the pharmaceutical sector, the global efforts to boost worker competitiveness are worth noting [5].
In conclusion, a combination of government policies and industry initiatives, focused on attracting international talent, streamlining visa processes, and promoting innovation and training, could potentially alleviate the skilled worker shortage affecting the German pharmaceutical industry and other sectors.
Despite the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) announcing the pressing issue of talent crunch in the German pharmaceutical sector due to an aging workforce, the existing demand for highly educated professionals in this field is not being met. This issue is not unique to the pharmaceutical industry, as the manufacturing sector, with 280,000 academics estimated to retire within the next decade, is also significantly affected. In response to this challenge, Germany has taken steps to attract skilled foreign workers, such as introducing work visa reforms and streamlining visa processing.
