Conclusion

This sixth and concluding chapter summarizes the main findings of our study in Sect. 6.1. Section 6.2 discusses some implications and economic policy recommendations for Germany. Our own results combined with the literature survey indicate that, besides Germany, other developed countries have also experienced negative labor market effects due to offshoring. Considering labor market insecurity as one of the most important implications of offshoring, we show indicators of labor market insecurity in selected OECD countries. We then identify different country models with respect to labor market security and flexibility, and analyze several measures and reforms to promote “flexicurity” in Germany, by continuing high levels of labor support and raising labor market flexibility above current levels. Finally, we address possibilities to counteract the shortage of skilled labor in Germany. If political factors require limits on offshoring and migration as the only short-term solutions, a medium- or long-term option would be an effective education policy to produce enough talent at home. We describe the measures that have been taken in recent years to reduce the shortage of workers with the use of vocational education. We also show that fewer measures have been taken to face the shortage of workers with tertiary education.