Future of social policy: Experts warn of major challenges!

Future of social policy: Experts warn of major challenges!

Social policy in Germany is currently facing a variety of challenges that are both well-known and new. This is made clear in the current IAQ report, which was published by uni-due.de was published. The German Institute for Interdisciplinary Social Policy Research (DIFIS), which was founded in 2021 through a cooperation between the universities of Duisburg-Essen and Bremen, aims to promote social policy research, teaching and policy advice.

Under the direction of Tom Heilmann, around 50 interviews have been carried out with experts from science, politics, public administration and civil society over the last 1.5 years. The collected findings provide information about the expectations of social policy research and shed light on the complexity of challenges such as climate change, social aging and technological upheavals.

Challenges of social policy

The analysis shows that there is a great need for knowledge transfer between research and practice. Heilmann identifies four ideal-typical understandings of transfer that reflect different expectations of the relationship between science and practice. While the scientific evaluation system often rewards theoretically and methodologically sophisticated studies, practitioners demand research that is aimed at direct political shaping.

A central problem is the perception of knowledge transfer. This is often understood as a one-way street from research to practice. However, multidirectional transfer formats that include both sides are rare and are implemented less frequently.

Future research needs and planned studies

In addition, DIFIS plans to improve the transfer of knowledge within German social policy through targeted conceptual work and networking activities. This is particularly important in order to meet the diverse challenges that are currently facing us.

Another element is the publication of short expert reports that use scientific expertise to proactively identify new research needs. The results are incorporated into the planning and further development of DIFIS research in order to ensure the current state of knowledge and address open questions. These studies include, for example, analyzes of housing and social policy as well as the fragmentation of social policy, which cover a wide range of aspects of social policy regulations. The DIFIS studies 2024 cover a range of topics ranging from migration to climate-related social instruments.

Improve interdisciplinary collaboration

The publication “Social Policy and Social Policy Research in Germany” also emphasizes the relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The study, written by Tom Heilmann and other authors, sheds light on how scientific findings can contribute to overcoming challenges for society as a whole. The works were published by Campus Frankfurt/New York and point to the need to integrate the approaches and needs of all actors in social policy. The ISBN for the publication is 9783593457796 and addresses the challenges to social policy in the context of a rapidly changing world.

Finally, it should be mentioned that under the pressure of multiple crises, such as climate change and demographic changes, the further development of social policy is of essential importance. The findings from the interviews conducted could help set the course for a sustainable social policy.