US Policy Under Trump: German Companies Wary of Attracting Top Talent
US Policies Under Trump Deter Top Talent from Pursuing Job Opportunities in America
In the wake of President Donald Trump's administration's policies, the United States is losing its allure for top business and scientific talent, according to German corporations. A survey of 602 companies, each with 20 or more employees, revealed that 54% view the US as less appealing, with large companies leading the charge (71% of those with over 500 employees). Additionally, 89% of firms anticipate Trump's policies to cause more harm than good to the US economy in the long run, and an overwhelming 99% find the US currently unpredictable.
"Germany should and can become a desirable location for global top talent," said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. Focus is particularly on tech-driven sectors such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, where Germany aims to reap the benefits of the US's decreasing appeal. To do this, Wintergerst emphasized the need for quicker visa processes, less bureaucracy, and a genuine culture that goes beyond empty promises.
Prominent economists advocate actively recruiting US researchers impacted by the Trump administration's restrictions, encouraging the creation of up to 100 professorships at German universities and research institutions. The initiative would be run by the German Research Foundation and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
In an attempt to reduce reliance on US tech solutions, 92% of companies call for increased investment in digital key technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence by Germany and the EU.
"Germany must become a beacon for top talent worldwide," Wintergerst concluded.
Germany's Multifaceted Approach to Attracting Global Talent
In response to the US's perceived unattractiveness, Germany has implemented several initiatives aimed at attracting skilled workers. These efforts build upon earlier measures influenced by factors such as the US's perceived unattractiveness during certain periods. Key measures include:
- Significant immigration reforms in 2025, focusing on streamlining visa processes, expanding eligibility criteria, increasing salary thresholds, recognizing more foreign qualifications, and introducing a points-based opportunity card (Chancenkarte).
- Spending part of the €500 billion infrastructure and climate package on initiatives to attract US scientists, providing competitive funding opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and research projects.
- Offering a high standard of living and competitive salaries, particularly in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
- Participating in EU initiatives aimed at attracting scientific talent, marking a coordinated effort to establish the EU as a global innovation and research hub.
- Providing education and research opportunities through collaborations, research grants, and scholarships at top German institutions.
These strategies are more broadly focused on addressing labor shortages and boosting European competitiveness than being solely reactive to US policies. The ultimate goal is to create a more competitive and inclusive environment for global talent.
- In line with the US policy shifts under President Trump, Germany has enacted community policies to encourage immigration, with a focus on streamlining visa processes and recognizing more foreign qualifications.
- Realizing the potential for personal growth and learning, Germany has earmarked funds from its €500 billion infrastructure and climate package to attract US scientists, offering competitive funding opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.
- As a proactive measure for education-and-self-development, Germany is offering a high standard of living, competitive salaries, and collaborative research opportunities at its top institutions as part of a broader initiative to boost European competitiveness.
