Structure issues confront Pforzheim, as per the research findings
In a recent study conducted by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, in collaboration with the Institute for Regional and Urban Development Research (ILS), several regions in Germany, including Pforzheim, Karlsruhe, and Stuttgart, have been identified as having significantly higher poverty risks for children and the elderly compared to other districts.
The study, known as the Disparity Report, evaluates districts on various social and economic challenges and reveals significant differences, even on a small scale. Pforzheim, for instance, is located near "dynamic cities with increased exclusion risk," such as Karlsruhe and Stuttgart.
However, Pforzheim's surrounding district, Enzkreis, is considered "affluent." This contrast between the city and its neighbouring district highlights the complex socio-economic landscape of the region.
Pforzheim, alongside Baden-Baden, belongs to the cluster type of "regions with partial adaptation barriers." These regions exhibit "persistent problem areas," suggesting ongoing socio-economic challenges. Pforzheim is the only district in Baden-Württemberg identified as "shaped by an industrial past with structural challenges."
The study emphasises that "special efforts are needed, especially in skilled workers and investments" for regions with adaptation barriers. These regions, unlike "spatial innovation poles," are affected by several strong factors, such as lower proportions of knowledge professions, below-average attractiveness for foreign skilled workers, and an impending significant shortage of skilled workers.
Moreover, life expectancy in these regions is lower compared to other districts. Voter participation in these regions is also lower.
Interestingly, in Baden-Württemberg and Hamburg, the most inheritance and money gifts are given on average, with between 120,000 and 250,000 euros inherited per death before tax. In contrast, in all eastern German states, the value inherited per death ranges between 10,000 and 20,000 euros.
It's worth noting that Pforzheim's city district, along with Pforzheim, is evaluated as having "average wealth and poverty" based on four indicators: child poverty, old-age poverty, median income, and housing cost burden. This evaluation of Pforzheim's city district is separate from the earlier observation that Pforzheim itself is "shaped by an industrial past with structural challenges."
The Disparity Report does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of Pforzheim's socio-economic challenges and future viability as presented in the study. For detailed insights, it is recommended to directly consult the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s latest Disparity Report or publications where they analyze regional socio-economic disparities, including for Pforzheim.
The Disparity Report underlines the need for special efforts in skilled workers and investments, specifically in regions with adaptation barriers, such as Pforzheim. These regions, known for their persistent problem areas, are also affected by a lower proportion of knowledge professions and a significant shortage of skilled workers.
In Baden-Württemberg, the highest average inheritance and money gifts are given before tax, but in all eastern German states, the value inherited per death is significantly lower.
