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Race for talent: This is how Germany is preparing for the future!
The UNI Wübben Foundation discusses international recruitment and the competitiveness of German universities in the global research environment.
Race for talent: This is how Germany is preparing for the future!
The internationalization of science, research and higher education plays a central role in Germany's global competitiveness, innovation and future prosperity. This area is increasingly subject to dynamic change, which is shaped by both global and geopolitical factors. In response to these challenges, German universities need to develop a better understanding of the evolving landscape of international science, which has become increasingly competitive in recent years. The Wübben Foundation reports that the United States in particular has been hit by deep cuts in federal research and funding, making the environment less welcoming for international scientists.
Despite some appeal offered by the flexible US system, an academic career in the US involves more significant risks and uncertainties. The decline in U.S. appeal and China's rising scientific prowess show that the global academic market is changing dramatically. These developments open up new opportunities for Germany, which is well positioned with a stable academic system that offers a balance between excellence and security.
Challenges and opportunities for German universities
However, it is clear that German universities need to increase their attractiveness for foreign applicants in order to survive in global competition. The 2023 OECD analysis ranked Germany 15th in the ranking of talent attractiveness. This assessment takes into account a variety of factors that influence the recruitment of qualified international talent.
A key finding is that universities have a direct influence on aspects such as salary, contract type, research infrastructure and family support. However, there are limits to their control over tax burdens, inflation, the housing market, digitalization processes and social attitudes towards immigration. It is therefore essential that universities optimize their strategies and take additional measures.
Onboarding and integration as the key to success
Effective onboarding and the successful integration of foreign scientists are crucial to mastering the challenges of relocation and integration. Such measures can help new employees become productive and functional within the institutions more quickly. The Wübben Foundation emphasizes that these strategies are of great importance for a successful transition phase and long-term retention of international talent.
The German higher education sector is therefore faced with an important challenge: it must adapt to changing global conditions and take the right measures in order to be successful in the competition for international talent. Without a targeted strategy to attract and integrate scientists, the country will risk losing valuable resources that are essential for innovation and research.