Expert Assessment

Intro text.

Geographical Behavioral Science Lab

Challenge

Loneliness affects nearly one in seven people in Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) and has strong consequences for mental and physical health, yet policymakers lacked evidence on who is affected, what drives loneliness, and which interventions could meaningfully reduce it.

Solution — A Statewide Behavioral & Regional Analysis of Loneliness

The research team analyzed data from 5,795 NRW residents and combined demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic indicators to:

• measure loneliness prevalence across all major population groups,

• identify key predictors (income, employment, partnership status, migration background),

• map regional patterns, and

• examine health, work, and engagement factors linked to loneliness.

  This provided a comprehensive behavioral and regional profile of loneliness in NRW.

Impact — Clear Priorities for Policy and Prevention Efforts

The study revealed which groups are most at risk and provided evidence-based guidance for interventions focused on:

• strengthening social participation and labor market inclusion,

• supporting older adults living alone,

• enhancing integration for migrants, and

• promoting volunteering as a protective factor.

  Overall, the findings deliver a concrete roadmap for policymaking and highlight that loneliness in NRW is primarily driven by individual life circumstances, not by municipal structures.

Geographical Behavioral Science Lab

Challenge

Forecasts showed that Marburg-Biedenkopf would face a severe skilled-labor shortage, meaning that over two-thirds of local positions were difficult to fill. To respond strategically, policymakers needed to understand why workers do or do not move into the region, which groups are most likely to relocate, and how the district is perceived compared to competing regions.

Solution — Behavioral & Regional Analysis of Migration Willingness and Location Attractiveness

The study analyzed multiple data sources to understand worker mobility and regional appeal, including:

• Actual job-related migration flows within Germany,
• A survey of workers' willingness to relocate, showing which profiles are open to moving to Marburg-Biedenkopf,
• A detailed assessment of regional characteristics and perceptions, comparing the district with other locations.

This allowed the identification of key motivators and barriers shaping regional migration decisions.

Impact — Strategic Insights for Targeted Recruitment & Regional Positioning

The report provides clear guidance for policymakers and employers on:

• Which worker groups are most likely to move into the region,
• Which regional attributes attract or deter potential migrants,
• How Marburg-Biedenkopf can strengthen its competitive position relative to other regions,
• How to design targeted recruitment and marketing strategies to attract skilled labor.

By offering a data-based understanding of mobility and regional attractiveness, the study supports more effective actions to mitigate the region’s skilled-labor shortage.