Innovation in Germany through skilled workers with a migration background
For the analysis, the IW examined the first names of around 45,000 inventors living in Germany and assigned them to 24 language areas. This made it possible to determine the region of origin with a high degree of probability. The results show: The proportion of international inventors is growing continuously - and is increasingly shaping innovation in Germany.
People from these countries file the most patents
Specialists from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe account for the largest share of patent applications, together making up around six percent of all applications. They are followed by Southern Europe, Latin America and the Arab region, including Turkey. The latter's share has quadrupled since the turn of the millennium and now stands at around two percent.
The increase is particularly strong among people of Indian origin. Between 2000 and 2022, the number of their patent applications increased twelvefold from 40 to 495 - a growth rate that hardly any other country of origin has recorded. This makes India one of the most important countries of origin for highly qualified specialists in Germany today.
According to the IW authors, this development is no coincidence. They attribute it to targeted measures to recruit skilled workers - such as the Skilled Immigration Act, which came into force in 2020, and digital information services that inform foreign skilled workers about work and immigration opportunities.
Women with a migration background drive innovation
Another key finding of the IW study concerns the role of women in research and development. Among immigrants, the proportion of female inventors is just under nine percent - almost twice as high as among Germans, where it is around five percent.
The IW explains this difference by the fact that women in many countries of origin are more likely to study STEM subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology) - areas that produce an above-average number of patents. Particularly in Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic or Romania, the proportion of female inventors is significantly higher than the German average at up to 13%.
According to the researchers, women in countries with less equality or economic insecurity are more likely to choose technical professions in order to achieve financial independence and stability. In contrast, women in countries with high levels of prosperity and equality are more likely to choose not to study science and technology.
Germany remains dependent on international skilled workers
"Like many industrialized countries, Germany is dependent on the immigration of well-educated people," explains IW researcher Alexandra Köbler. "In order to keep up with the global competition for the brightest minds, fast and unbureaucratic procedures for entry and recognition of qualifications are necessary."
The study emphasizes that Germany's success in the field of innovation also depends on how attractive the country remains for international talent. In addition towell-functioning processes, a "proactive welcoming culture" is needed that not only attracts skilled workers, but also retains them in the long term.
Anopen-minded social climate, cultural diversity and fair working conditions are just as important as the digitalization and simplification of administrative processes.
Study: Skilled Immigration Act an important step
The Skilled Immigration Act of 2020 has already helped to make Germany more attractive for qualified immigrants. Nevertheless, the IW researchers see a need to catch up: many procedures are too bureaucratic and take too long.
"We need to digitalize and standardize processes and significantly expand the capacities of the inspection bodies," the study states. This is the only way Germany can keep up with the international competition for talent.
The authors also call for society's perception of migration to evolve: Immigration is not a risk, but a driver of innovation, economic strength and cultural diversity.
Conclusion
The IW study clearly shows that immigration makes a decisive contribution to Germany's innovative strength. Without the contributions of international skilled workers, much of the technical and scientific progress in Germany would be missing.
Expressed in figures: around 14 percent of all patents in Germany are attributable to people with foreign roots - and the trend is rising.
The study concludes that Germany will remain dependent on qualified immigration in the future in order to ensure its competitiveness. Efficient immigration procedures, transparent recognition processes and an open social climate that welcomes international talent and offers them long-term prospects are crucial for this.
