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Education and Training

From an economic perspective, it is beneficial if policymakers invest in the bright minds of tomorrow and create a competitive, innovative and equitable education system in Germany. The Education Monitor - one of the most important studies on education in Germany - shows that Germany can do even better here.

About the topic

Schools and universities are not producing enough well-educated young people. This is leading to shortages of skilled workers, which are being exacerbated by demographic change and, as a result, falling numbers of schoolchildren and students as the workforce ages. This makes it all the more important for the state to invest in education and provide the best possible training for existing children and young people. The expansion of early childhood education and all-day care at daycare centers and schools will have a particularly strong impact. Good foundations at the start of education benefit later phases of education, when more is learned. At the same time, families can better realize their employment aspirations and thus also contribute to securing a skilled workforce. Through its subsidiary IW Junior, the IW is also committed to expanding economic education.

German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

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Fiscal Effects of Having Children
IW-Report No. 43 15. October 2026 Wido Geis-Thöne

Fiscal Effects of Having Children

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Making Apprenticeships a Success: From Marketing to Hiring
IW-Report No. 38 11. September 2026 Paula Risius et al.

Making Apprenticeships a Success: From Marketing to Hiring

In-company vocational training is a key factor in securing skilled labour. The first step in investing in future employees is to approach and recruit new apprentices. For many companies, filling the apprenticeship positions they offer is a challenge.

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Innovation and competitiveness drive productivity, economic growth, and welfare growth.

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Use of Parental Leave by Mothers and Fathers
IW-Report No. 31 1. July 2026 Wido Geis-Thöne

Use of Parental Leave by Mothers and Fathers

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Senior Economist for Vocational Training and Supply of skill needs

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Consultant for Skilled Workforce Retention

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Prof. Dr. Axel Plünnecke, Leiter des Clusters Bildung, Innovation, Migration

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Head of Education, Innovation and Immigration Research Unit

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Paula Risius

Paula Risius

Senior Economist for qualification and securing skilled workers

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Sibylle Stippler

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Head of Vocational Education and Training Research Unit

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Dirk Werner

Head of Vocational Education and Training Research Unit

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Letizia Şenli

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