Title: Bremen Leads Germany in Academia but Struggles with Inequality
Once more, Bremen dons the unwanted crown as Germany's least thriving education hub, according to the annual INSM report. Last year's second-worst, Lower Saxony, slides down to position 8. In contrast, the Free State of Saxony maintains its scholarly superiority, tops the INSM Education Ranking, as it has for years.
This annual scrutiny evaluates 98 factors to gauge how states combat educational disparity, cultivate skilled workers, and fuel economic growth. The appraisal primarily considers an educational economics perspective while assessing the accessibility and equal distribution of educational opportunities.
For instance, it measures the ratio of educational spending per student to entire public budgets for every resident. It assesses education facility investments, care standards, and class sizes.
The full report unfolds on Tuesday, but early insights show advancements in internationalization, infrastructure, and care standards, as per the report's director, education economist Axel Plünnecke from the IW. He asserts that problems regarding integration, school quality, and educational inequality have worsened.
Interestingly, despite its overall last placement, Bremen reigns supreme in the higher education and STEM fields, championing subjects like math, computer science, environmental studies, and technology.
This is the 21st edition of the Education Report. It offers insights on each state, set to be published on Tuesday. Over the past decade, the report has highlighted significant advancements in the domains of internationalization, infrastructure, and care standards.
The Hanover, part of Lower Saxony, can take inspiration from Bremen's edge in higher education and STEM fields to improve its education system, especially in areas like integration and school quality. The Hanover's investments in education infrastructure and facilities could significantly boost its overall performance in the INSM Education Ranking.
Go Deeper:
Key Factors behind Bremen's Academic Leadership:
- Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation: Bremen's Constructor University is lauded for its interdisciplinary cooperations and groundbreaking research projects. One such initiative is the development of vertical wind turbines using 3D printing technology, which promises to foster energy independence in schools[1].
- Strong Industry Collaboration: Constructor University forges close ties with Bremen's industry heavyweights, primarily in digitalization, AI, and leading training. This partnership aims to equip state employees with essential skills, further bolstering Bremen's educational and economic landscape[1].
- Ambitious Growth Plans: Constructor University targets increasing student enrollment to 5,000 by 2030 and adding 25 new research and campus infrastructure facilities through public-private partnerships (PPPs). This expansion illustrates Bremen's commitment to enhancing academic and research capabilities[1].
- International Focus and Diversity: The International Graduate Center (IGC) at HSB Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences fosters a global and interdisciplinary learning environment, with students hailing from over 40 nations[3].
- Research Excellence and Funding: The University of Bremen secures substantial funding for various projects, such as the Biosignals Hub, which received 4.8 million euros. This funding fuels cutting-edge research in areas like marine biology, polar research, and sustainability, contributing to Bremen's reputation in STEM fields[2].
- Sustainability and Environmental Focus: The University of Bremen is actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, hosting a sustainability fair on campus and conducting research projects focusing on marine biology and polar research. This emphasis on sustainability aligns with Bremen's broader commitment to environmental innovation[2].
- Strong Academic Partnerships: The University of Bremen maintains robust ties with international institutions, like the University of Cardiff, for developing sustainable business ideas. This cross-border collaboration amplifies the academic and research ecosystem in Bremen, underpinning its leadership in higher education[2].
These factors contribute to Bremen's domination in higher education and STEM fields, setting it apart from other German states.
