Digital association Bitkom warns that experts will leave innovative startups – a problem which, according to a survey performed by DIHK in February, is becoming a growing business risk for the entire industry. This puts the digital transformation in danger, since cooperation with startups is seen as an innovation motor for the German business landscape. Among the founders surveyed, 57% are currently looking for specialized staff to fill their open positions. 76% also want to take on new employees this year. On average, the startups had 15 employees on their books, but five open positions.

Company founders are not the only ones with this problem: The lack of specialist staff, which, according to a study by IHK , could get worse by 2030, threatens to put the brakes on positive economic development throughout the whole of Germany.