The proposed Internationalisation in balance Act (WIB) could lead to a significant decrease in the number of internationally trained economists and econometricians on the Dutch labour market, particularly in the Randstad.
This is evident from new research by Marcus Roesch, Bas Karreman (Erasmus School of Economics) and Bart Loog (Statistics Netherlands), published in the Dutch economics journal ESB on Tuesday 6 May.
International talent more likely to stay in the Netherlands
According to the researchers, more than 20 percent of international economics students continue to work in the Netherlands after graduating. This group forms an important pillar under the supply of economically trained labour potential, particularly for multinationals and shortage sectors such as ICT and financial services.
‘Most international economists find their first job in the Randstad and strengthen the labour market there,’ the authors say. ‘Limiting English-language education in this region can have a direct impact on the availability of qualified personnel.’
Randstad disproportionately affected
The WIB, which aims to reduce the use of English in higher education, contains exceptions for technical programmes and universities in border and shrinking regions. Non-technical programmes in the Randstad, such as economics and econometrics, are affected, however. This puts extra pressure on the international student supply in this region.
Multinationals and shortage sectors the victims
More than 70 percent of international graduates in economics and econometrics start at a multinational, often in an English-speaking work environment. In addition, they relatively often work in sectors with structural shortages. According to the authors, limiting this inflow can lead to a narrowing of the labour market and reduced attractiveness of the Randstad as a location for companies.
Call for reconsideration
The researchers advocate a nuanced approach to internationalisation: ‘The law is intended to guarantee quality and accessibility, but may have serious unintended consequences for the labour market. This calls for strategic reconsideration, especially for studies that demonstrably contribute to solving labor market shortages.’
- More information
Click here for the Dutch written article “Wet internationalisering in balans beperkt aanbod van economen in Randstad”. For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics: rdegroot@ese.eur.nl and mobile: +31 6 53 641 846.
