Bertelsmann Stiftung "Education"

Providing a future for the next generation

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Developing a climate-resilience strategy in Germany, Europe and worldwide is crucial for future generations in light of advancing climate change. It is essential for the continued existence of humanity and life on earth. Such a strategy will necessarily require a transformation of society and the economy towards a sustainable way of life and sustainable production. How to achieve this goal is the topic scientists from the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and of Social Sciences will be discussing with experts and young people from European cities and regions at the European Climate Resilience Summit on August 28 and 29 in Vienna. The summit’s partners are the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC). The summit will conclude with a call to action, including an appeal for stakeholders to connect within European networks and shape the required change.

Better harnessing the democratic potential of gaming communities

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In Germany, gaming is mostly seen as an economic factor or a form of entertainment. What is often neglected is how the players of digital games think and act politically – especially when they interact with each other in gaming communities, such as Twitch and Discord. In these digital spaces, high levels of socio-political engagement and trust in democracy coexist with a very diverse – but sometimes also problematic – culture of debate. It is important to finally understand gaming communities, take them seriously, and get their members politically involved.

POV: Election Campaign

Tue, 13 May 2025 11:00:23 +0200

During the 2025 German federal election campaign short political videos on Instagram and TikTok played a central role in reaching young audiences. Our latest analysis examines the content, communication styles, and platform-specific tools used by political actors to reach young voters.

Better together for youth – Empowering future generations through collective action

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Economic instability, educational disparities, mental health issues and environmental concerns – collaboration and collective action are essential to addressing these issues effectively, ensuring that young people have the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive.

The Youth Alliance, hosted by Impact Europe, aims to empower youth by co-funding and co-investing in projects, sharing knowledge, driving systemic change and integrating youth voices in decision-making. The Alliance is testament to the fact that together we can make a difference for young people, with young people. As a community of practice, we want to collaborate and learn while growing and becoming more successful in supporting disadvantaged youth and social entrepreneurs across Europe.

Nearly half of young people in Germany see themselves as future entrepreneurs

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Germany’s younger generation holds the potential to drive entrepreneurial activity. However, turning these aspirations into reality requires addressing significant obstacles. Uncertainty, stress, and insufficient knowledge are among the primary factors discouraging young people in the country from starting their own businesses. Early promotion of entrepreneurial thinking and skills could play a vital role in overcoming these challenges.

Young and Lonely – International Perspectives for a New Political Area

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Our current research examines approaches from Finland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, the Netherlands, and South Korea and presents ten recommendations for political action to address youth loneliness in Germany.

Pioneering Gen Z Entrepreneurs: Reflections and Policy Considerations

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Entrepreneurs change the way we think, work and live. Around the globe, inspiring young people are building successful companies around ideas that are driven by their ambitions and enabled by their entrepreneurial skills and values. Generation Z - referring to people born after 1997 - is reshaping our economies with its distinctive approaches to work and entrepreneurship.

Young people in Germany trust in democracy and the EU

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:01 +0100

The generation of 18- to 30-year-olds in Germany places more trust in democracy and the European Union than the average in other European countries. However, they are more critical of the federal government and the Bundestag. Young adults are not more concerned about climate change than their older counterparts, but many view their mental health as being at risk.

NextGen goes Europe

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:31:28 +0200

A great exchance of the European Youth Parliament with young Europeans of more than 40 different countries in Baku from 5^th to 8^th August 2023.

Communities increasingly recognize the opportunities offered by open data

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0100

More and more, open data are being viewed by cities and towns as a valuable opportunity. For the second time, the Bertelsmann Stiftung conducted a survey together with Difu, the German institute of urban affairs, examining which specific opportunities and challenges communities in Germany associate with open data. Over 300 cities and towns participated in the survey.

Getty Images/iStockphoto/Leonardo Patrizi

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