Labor force for the fourth industrial revolution: the experience of Germany

The paper analyzes political decisions in the field of personnel and educational policy as a response of four German administrations, with Angela Merkel as the Federal Chancellor, to challenges of digitalization. Since challenges in the development of labor market induced by demographic and migration factors are similar for Russia and Germany, German experience may be useful for Russia as a large federal state with significant risks of rising social inequality. Challenges in the development of the labor market induced by demographic and migration factors are common for Russia and Germany. The author addresses the key challenge for the German government — the organization of humane working conditions in a new digital reality presented in the White Paper “Work 4.0” after careful examination and consultation with main actors: associations, trade unions, companies, academia and civil society. He sees the solution to the problem in improving qualifications and developing digital skills, as well as ensuring attractive working conditions, in the first place for specialists in engineering, technical and natural science specialties (STEM). The analysis concludes with recommendations for policymakers which include such measures as improving gender equality in STEM professions and selective migration policy that mitigates unnecessary barriers for highly qualified immigrants.

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