Future of work: How digital trends are changing the steel industry

Future of work: How digital trends are changing the steel industry

The University of Osnabrück is pursuing new challenges in the world of work with the “Diversity Meets Transformation (ViTra)” project. As part of this initiative, the role of vocational education and training in digital and demographic transformation is examined. The focus is on the increasing pressure for digitalization, especially in the steel industry, and the growing importance of diversity within the workforce. These are crucial factors that lead to insecurities and a changed understanding of identity among employees, reported the University of Osnabrück.

The project is led by Dr. Dana Bergmann and Dr. Katharina Wehking from the Institute of Educational Sciences and relies on a co-constructive research approach. The perspective of trainees and employees is actively included in the research process. The works council of Georgsmarienhütte GmbH plays a central role, occupying a key position in co-determination and conflict resolution. Financing is provided by the Hans Böckler Foundation, which is committed to the sustainable and democratic design of transformation processes.

Challenges of the working world

The current transformation of the world of work is strongly influenced by several megatrends. Digitalization, decarbonization, demographic change and de-globalization present companies with major challenges, but also bring with them opportunities. According to a study by the German Economic Institute, two thirds of the entrepreneurs surveyed see digitalization as important to very important in the next five years. Only 6 percent believe that they are not affected by digital change. Since 2012, the number of IT experts in Germany has increased by 92 percent, a clear sign of the opportunities that digitalization offers Arbeitswelt-portal.de.

The pressure to adapt to new technologies requires a rethinking of training and further education. The situation is similar when it comes to decarbonization: 72 percent of companies are of the opinion that they can adapt their business model to the requirements of the European Green Deal. The need for a change in production technology and energy sources is evident, especially in CO2-intensive industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and metals.

Demographic change and securing skilled workers

Demographic change represents a further challenge. By 2040, an 8.8 percent decline in skilled workers on the labor market is expected compared to 2020. 68 percent of companies consider securing skilled workers to be particularly important in the next five years. In the MINT sector, i.e. the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, the shortage of skilled workers is already acute, as 83 percent of those employed in research and development departments have a MINT qualification.

The prospects of the labor market are undergoing significant changes. The Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes that digitalization not only leads to a changed pattern of use of technologies, but also transforms the qualifications and skills that will be needed for the future. The quality and nature of paid work is changing, with new job profiles emerging in areas such as digital engineering and online marketing.

Overall, companies in Germany are faced with the task of adapting flexibly to these developments. Whether through investments in education and training or the use of new technologies – the right strategies for securing skilled workers and designing work are crucial. The challenges are serious, but also linked to the prospect of significant progress in the world of work, such as bpb.de reported.