Abstract (in EN): The digital and ecological transformation are changing labor demand and skill requirements in labor markets. This paper examines the resulting risk of a shortage of skilled workers in ten future-oriented occupations and five German metropolitan regions. First, it examines employment trends using administrative data. This reveals above-average employment growth in future-oriented occupations, particularly in digital occupations such as software development and green occupations such as supply and disposal. Second, online job advertisements are used to examine the level of labor demand for employees and the demand for digital and green skills within future-oriented occupations. These analyses point to different regional coping strategies: while digital occupations show a uniformly high demand, there are considerable regional differences in green occupations. Third, an examination of the labor supply from the tertiary and dual education systems shows that the labor supply, especially in STEM subjects and dual training occupations, lags behind the growing demand. Finally, the paper discusses in which occupations and regions a severe shortage of skilled workers is to be expected in the future and which measures appear suitable for coping with this challenge. 

Abstract: Using German survey and expert data on job tasks, this paper explores the presence of omitted-variable bias suspected in conventional task data derived from expert assessment. I show expert task data, which is expressed at the occupation-level, introduces omitted-variable bias in task returns on the order of 26–34%. Motivated by a theoretical framework, I argue this bias results from expert data ignoring individual heterogeneity rather than fundamental differences on the assessment of tasks between experts and workers. My findings have important implications for the interpretation of conventional task models as occupational task returns are overestimated. Moreover, a rigorous comparison of the statistical performance of various models offers guidance for future research regarding choice of task data and construction of task measures. 

Abstract: This study documents that worker-level variation in tasks has played a key role in the widening of the German Native-Foreign Wage Gap. I find idiosyncratic differences account for up to 34 per cent of the wage gap. Importantly, natives specialize in high-paying interactive activities not only between, but also within occupations. In contrast, foreign workers specialize in low-paying manual activities. This enhanced degree of task specialization accounts for 11 per cent of the gap among high-wage earners and 25 per cent among low-wage earner, thus offering new insight into sources for imperfect substitution of native and foreign workers and consequently small migration-induced wage effects.

Abstract: This paper studies wage effects and job mobility as a result of skill mismatch in worker- occupation pairs. I develop a Roy model in which learning on the job induces workers to shift more time towards job-specific activities. Using a short task panel containing data on worker's time allocation of job tasks, I test the model's implications and present three main findings. First, workers who are overqualified in their initial occupation in regards to abstract tasks are more likely to switch to another job by up to 19 pp. Second, task-based learning only pays off with respect to acquisition of abstract skills and is associated with a return of up to 2-3% with each year of experience. Third, gains from task-based learning are heterogenous and benefit primarily workers in abstract-intensive occupations. My findings highlight the effects of investments in job-specific skills on wage growth and job mobility. 

Abstract: Using worker-level task data, I explore if women's perceived comparative advantages in interactive tasks can contribute to a reduction in the gender pay gap. I find women receive lower returns to interactive tasks, even within occupations, despite increasing female employment shares in interactive-intensive occupations. Perceived comparative advantages in interactive tasks thus do not appear to pay off financially. 

Abstract: Der Arbeitsmarkt ist von zentraler Bedeutung für Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, Stabilität und gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt einer Volkswirtschaft. Die Stellungnahme der Arbeitsgruppe zu Arbeitsmarkt- und Sozialversicherungsdaten verdeutlicht, dass die Datenverfügbarkeit zur Beantwortung von Forschungsfragen in diesem wichtigen Gebiet jedoch erhebliche Mängel hat. Die Probleme werden in vier Feldern diskutiert: Zusammenführung von Daten, fehlende Daten, Datenschutz und Zugangsbedingungen. Es werden konkrete Lösungsvorschläge erarbeitet, die unter anderem im geplanten Forschungsdatengesetz der Bundesregierung umgesetzt werden sollten.

Abstract: This document provides an overview of the scientific literature on skills gaps, skill and labour shortages, and mismatch. Given that the existing literature is vast, and that there exist a number of recent overviews of the literature, the aim is to explore the literature most relevant for SkiLMeeT. The overview therefore focuses on some considerations regarding the relevant concepts and measurement; the drivers of skills gaps and shortages and mismatch considered in SkiLMeeT, i.e. mainly the technological and green transitions, but also other megatrends; and pathways to reduce skills gaps and shortages and mismatch considered in SkiLMeeT, i.e. education (educational choice, the dual education system, reand upskilling) and worker mobility. The document also indicates relevant policy initiatives as well as the specific contributions made by SkiLMeeT. .