Requests to policymakers
Structures, working methods and attitudes that have grown over a long time cannot be completely overhauled overnight. Here, start-ups have something of an advantage. But talking to the HR managers shows: the established employers are on their way and are doing a great deal to take their growing workforces along in the change process and to support them.
However, some specific features of the defense industry stand in the way of the challenge of quickly finding and hiring many new specialists. Much of this cannot be changed and is also sensible. Elsewhere, though, the companies surveyed have clear requests for policymakers. For example, they would like to see a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles or more investment in digital infrastructure in Germany. There is also room for improvement in supporting the transfer of specialists from shrinking to growing industries, for example through faster placement processes or targeted qualification offers. For start-ups, more openness among all those involved – such as industry, research, start-ups or public institutions – would be important, since innovations arise from the convergence of different perspectives and competencies.
“We would like to see transitions between companies and industries supported more strongly and bureaucratic hurdles reduced. The decisive factor is to deploy existing competencies as quickly as possible where they are needed.”
Inka Tews,
Chief Human Resources Officer,
Hensoldt AG
