Hessen's first AI platform for international talents speaks every language

It is a digital pioneering achievement: ‘Welcome to Mittelhessen‘ is a unique AI solution for recruiting and integrating international skilled workers and students in Hessen. From entry to visa to living in Mittelhessen, they receive round-the-clock help in their own national language. The various phases that a potential expat goes through are taken into account: Preparation, arrival, familiarisation, adjustment and integration. The focus here is on the first two phases in particular.

Based on the data protection-compliant AI platform ‘nele.ai’, the solution was jointly developed by Regionalmanagement Mittelhessen and its shareholders and developed on a voluntary basis by GAL Digital and MAKI42 from Hungen in order to counteract the shortage of skilled labour.

There will be a shortage of 400,000 skilled workers by 2035

‘Demographic trends will lead to an increase in the skills gap in Hessen alone to 495,000 skilled workers in 2035. The labour force potential would only remain constant until then if there were an annual net immigration of 400,000 people nationwide,’ says Michael Müller, Deputy Managing Director of the Limburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of the Regional Management shareholders' meeting. ‘We quickly agreed among the shareholders to jointly implement a solution for this. We have been dealing with the influx to the Central Hessian labour market for a long time: sufficient experts are needed.’

Prof Dr Katharina Lorenz, President of Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), confirms: ‘In numerous encounters and feedback, I am always impressed by how well-known JLU is thanks to its extensive network in our key regions, including Colombia, Australia and Europe. In this way, we open a door to the world in the Mittelhessen region - both for our students and for people who are curious about our region, our study programmes and arriving in Central Hessen. This form of welcoming culture is part of our JLU DNA.’

Unique in Hessen: Technology meets regional strength

While there are currently around 40 welcome centres in Germany, only one of them is based on artificial intelligence. The Mittelhessen platform is therefore the first of its kind in Hessen and is one of the few digital lighthouse projects in this field in Germany. It is based on a knowledge database created in partnership, in which information from the region has been systematically collated. In particular, ‘Welcome to Mittelhessen’ provides explicit answers to any questions.

‘This platform relies on AI technology and multilingual data integration to offer expats real added value. The targeted use of SEO and the provision of content in every language generates a high presence in search engines,’ explains Daniel Gal, Managing Director of GAL Digital. ‘It thus serves as an outstanding example of the digital transformation of regional information systems and strengthens the international competitiveness of the Central Hessen region,’ adds Josephine Bonica, Managing Director of MAKI42. The two companies specialise in customised digital solutions and the optimisation of business processes.

‘With this platform, we are not only taking our regional knowledge to a new, digital level, we are also creating a forward-looking offering that makes Mittelhessen more visible and attractive worldwide,’ says Jens Ihle, Managing Director of Regional Management Mittelhessen.

Practical and needs-orientated: Regional employers benefit

For years, the regional management has been involved in events such as the ‘Newcomer Days’ and the ‘Welcome Culture’ working group to support employers with onboarding processes. We know from feedback that all sectors are looking for suitable specialist staff and the demand for international talent is high everywhere.

However, these expats often encounter challenges when they arrive, such as finding accommodation or dealing with the authorities. The new platform addresses these needs, refers them to support services and makes it easier for them to settle into their new life in Central Hessen. Many employers are already involved with language courses, integration assistance and accelerated procedures, but sometimes come up against bureaucratic or organisational hurdles. The platform can provide support here and thus sustainably improve the framework conditions.

AI meets people

And this is how digital and human support merge to create a holistic offering for Mittelhessen: In cooperation with the federal state of Hessen, Regionalmanagement Mittelhessen GmbH and the Federal Employment Agency, IHK Lahn-Dill is opening the WELCOMECENTER Mittelhessen at its Wetzlar office this summer. This will be the central point of contact, service and advice centre for international employees, specialists and managers, trainees and students, as well as for companies, businesses and administrations in Central Hessen interested in employing, training and integrating international personnel into the workplace and society.

Link to the platform: https://www.welcome-to-mittelhessen.de/