Barometer of Young Talents in the STEM Subjects

The Barometer of Young Talents in the STEM subjects

acatech publishes an annual nationwide report that discusses the latest trends regarding young talents in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The report presents and comments on the key facts and figures regarding young talents in these respective subjects, covering all stages from the early education at school to the vocational and university training.

We investigate how schools, universities, and extracurricular settings can transition to the digital age and what we must do to achieve a lasting improvement in STEM education.

Starting with the 2022 edition, acatech will publish the Barometer of Young Talents in the STEM subjects alongside the Joachim Herz Stiftung (Joachim Herz Foundation) as well as the IPN – Leibniz Institut für Pädagogik der Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik (Leibniz Institute for Science Education). From 2014 to 2021, the Körber-Stiftung was a co-editor of the study.

The report achieves two vital things: The monitoring of central indicators oriented towards the long term helps to detect developments in the education system early on. This helps to identify important areas of activity. Beyond that, the Barometer indicates factors and motives that might influence young adults’ choice of subject or profession. We will gladly send you a free copy of the brochure upon request.

Background and objective

The popularity of STEM subjects and careers have yet to gain in popularity amongst the youth. Only a few young people choose vocational training in technology, which is especially true for girls. The lack of skilled workers in the STEM field has been rising intensely since September 2020 again despite its temporary plunge during the Corona-pandemic. The Corona-pandemic has also been troublesome for STEM education in schools (see Barometer of Young Talents in STEM subjects 2022). In Mathematics, for instance, the students have a learning deficit of about ten to thirteen weeks at the end of primary school.

For the capability to enable innovation within Germany, we need more young people who can tackle global and national challenges like the protection of the climate and the digital transformation – with innovative solutions and STEM expertise.

A good education in STEM is further a prerequisite for civic engagement and vocational development, besides being also meaningful for the fulfilment of equal opportunity. Therefore, we systematically and collaboratively work together with key actors from the fields of politics, science, and business economy to advance technical-scientific interests and skills at all stages of life.

Further information

Video statements of project manager Olaf Köller (German content)