AI Professionals Sought in abundance by German Companies
Title: Are German Companies Falling Behind in the AI Race? Struggles to Find AI Professionals Persist
Artificial Intelligence (AI) job listings have been scarce in Germany for the past five years, according to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, who analyzed over 60 million online job postings between 2019 and 2024. Companies themselves are increasingly feeling left behind, with many playing catch-up in the AI game.
The experts warn that this situation could put German companies at a disadvantage in international competition. Michael Hüther, the director of the Institute of the German Economy, urges companies to invest in employee competencies and streamline the implementation of AI regulations.
Companies are on the hunt for AI-savvy employees, yet job postings are primarily targeted at highly trained specialists in AI development. AI-adept users, such as those in advertising, marketing, or sales, are less frequently sought after.
Regionally, there's a noticeable disparity: while AI plays almost no role in the job market in half of German districts, cities like Munich, Karlsruhe, and the district of Böblingen near Stuttgart are leading in AI-related job placements. Hotspots can also be found in other regions, particularly in southern and southwestern Germany.
The shortage of skilled AI workers is partly due to rapid technological advancements, an aging population, declining birth rates, and global competition for talent. Germany's energy requirements for AI data centers, immigration policies, and infrastructure development also play a role in determining its competitive edge in the AI industry.
With the potential productivity gains high and demand for AI expertise continuing to rise, it's crucial for Germany to address this issue and ensure it doesn't lose its edge in the AI race.
Sources: ntv.de, chl/dpa/AFP
- Artificial Intelligence
- Job Market
- Implementing a comprehensive community policy that encourages the growth of AI expertise and fosters a tech-focused workforce could help address the persistent shortage of AI professionals in Germany, as outlined by Michael Hüther from the Institute of the German Economy.
- As the job market for AI professionals flourishes in certain regions—such as Munich, Karlsruhe, and the district of Böblingen near Stuttgart—an employment policy that seeks to bridge geographical disparities by recruiting and training AI-adept users in advertising, marketing, or sales could help German companies lead more effectively in the AI race.
