International student intake crucial to future-proof labor market

North Limburg faces a double challenge: a declining student intake and an increasing demand for labor. According to Ron Coenen, president of the Limburg Employers Association (LWV), and Wouter Josso, director of Fontys International Business Studies, only a targeted approach with regional customization and cooperation can bridge this gap.

"Without international inflows, our economy collapses"

The impact of a declining student intake in Limburg is huge, Ron Coenen emphasizes. "Limiting international students can cost the Limburg economy more than one billion euros annually, according to recent research. Without them, we simply cannot meet the shortages in the labor market."

The challenges are particularly urgent, Coenen argues. "Within five years, 60 percent of the workforce in sectors such as healthcare will retire. These are jobs that we cannot simply automate. Without an influx from outside, a vicious circle is created: a shortage of care personnel forces family members to provide informal care, which in turn costs labor productivity in other sectors."

The challenges are particularly urgent.

Wouter Josso adds, "At Fontys, we see daily how important international students are. They not only bring diversity and new perspectives, but are often the key to innovation. By connecting them intensively with Limburg SMEs during their studies, we are doing our utmost to bind them to the region."

Regional problems call for regional solutions

The national policy around international students does not do justice to the unique challenges of border regions such as Limburg, according to both gentlemen. Coenen: "The shortage of housing in the Randstad is often cited as a reason to limit the influx of international students. But Limburg has a totally different profile. Our province is 75 percent on the border, making us heavily dependent on international inflow."

Josso adds: "If we can no longer educate German and other international students, it is not only to the detriment of our institutions, but also to the regional business community. Many of these students continue to work in Limburg after their studies, which is essential for our economy."

In addition, Coenen points out a distorted picture: "Labor migration masks the shrinkage in northern Limburg. This makes it seem as if this region is not a shrinkage area, but that is only appearance. This calls for policies that specifically address the unique challenges of border regions."

Cooperating for a future-proof labor market

Both gentlemen advocate a stronger connection between education, business and government. "We need to tackle this from the triple helix," Josso emphasizes. "Educational institutions cannot bear the burden alone. Entrepreneurs must take responsibility and concretely state what they need in the future."

This is not easy, however, Coenen acknowledges. "Entrepreneurs often think in the now, while the focus should be on the long term. What do we need five or 10 years from now? Answering that question is difficult, but essential."

"We have been hearing about the mismatch between labor market and education for 30 years. It's time to create a joint human capital agenda, looking at the future needs of the labor market. Entrepreneurs can also play an active role in this, for example by making their long-term needs clear."

Josso adds: "At Fontys, we are already working with organizations such as the LWV to connect students with regional companies. But we also need to address challenges such as housing and integration so that international students want to continue working in Limburg after their studies."

"We need each other to retain talent"

In addition to training new talent, a major task lies in retaining existing workers. "Companies need to invest in the knowledge and skills of their workforce," Coenen argues. "The speed at which technologies and processes change requires a new way of working and learning."

Josso: "At Fontys, we bring students into contact with companies early on. But that alone is not enough. We need to look at broader initiatives, such as job guarantees and cross-border education. After all, our catchment area doesn't stop at the border."

Both gentlemen see opportunities in strengthening international cooperation. "Intensified cooperation between institutions such as Fontys, Maastricht University and RWTH in Aachen can yield a lot," says Josso. "Continuous learning lines and cross-border education are important steps to keep talent here and to make the region attractive."

The way forward: investing in talent

The challenges should not be underestimated. "The urgency is high," argues Coenen. "We have to accept that the labor market is changing. This means investing in relevant and future-oriented education, a better connection to the labor market and the retention of talent."

Josso concludes, "With international students and migrant workers, we can fill some of the shortages. However, that requires the right infrastructure, from education to housing and integration."

The next five years will determine the future of North Limburg. If educational institutions and SMEs join forces now, the region can position itself as a place where talent feels at home and can grow. But this requires action, and fast!

Source: LWV.co.uk