BIO Deutschland Attends an SME Alliance Meeting with Labour Minister Andrea Nahles

SME Alliance with Labour Minister Andreas Nahles (centre), Viola Bronsema (BIO Deutschland, second row, second from left). Photo: Christian Kruppa.

On the evening of 25 November 2014, BIO Deutschland and other members of the SME Alliance met Andrea Nahles, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Following a short speech by the Minister, association members had the chance to raise the topic of the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. Viola Bronsema, Managing Director of BIO Deutschland, gave a short talk on the jobs and skilled workers of the future. She said that good conditions for new sectors and technologies must be provided at an early stage so that they can create new jobs before jobs are lost in outdated branches. She also pointed out the biotechnology sector’s great potential for creating new jobs for skilled workers. In this context, she asked the Minister how it can be ensured that young innovative companies can grow faster and thus create the necessary jobs at an early stage. Bronsema also raised the need to teach modern natural sciences and entrepreneurship at schools.  BIO Deutschland has been a member of the SME Alliance since 2013. The role of the alliance is to discuss topics including the labour market, the Digital Agenda, Germany as a location for innovations, energy policy, taxation and finances with politicians.