The self-employed people in the scientific research and development sector in Germany have seen a consistent decline in working hours from 15 million hours in 2013 to 10 million hours by 2023. This marks a substantial drop over the decade, with notable year-on-year declines especially from 2019 to 2023. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years stands at -6.51%, indicating a persistent downward trend. Forecasts suggest stabilization with consistent hours at 10 million from 2024 onwards, showing no expected growth or further decline by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include potential technological advancements and new funding structures in scientific research that could inspire a resurgence in self-employment or a shift in collaboration models within this sector. Additionally, changes in global scientific trends and local economic policies may impact this workforce segment. Factors such as digital transformation, a growing emphasis on sustainable research practices, and international collaborations can also influence future dynamics in this sector.
