Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
This study examines migration of people and international trade in Germany and Austria between 2000 and 2024. Both countries saw sharp rises in immigrant populations, with foreign-born residents reaching 18 percent in Germany and 22 percent in Austria, while their exports grew to record levels. The research explores whether human capital migration like workers bringing skills, education, and networks has complemented or substituted trade. Evidence shows migration often reduces barriers to commerce by creating trust, demand for home-country goods, and professional connections. Skilled workers in high-tech industries further boost export capacity. Contrary to fears that migrants might weaken competitiveness, the data suggest migration supported both growth and exports. The findings underscore that open societies and open economies reinforce each other, with migration serving as a driver of global integration.
Disciplines
Business | Economics | Growth and Development | International and Comparative Labor Relations | International Economics | Labor Economics | Macroeconomics | Political Economy
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Language
English
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Antonia Gkergki
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Jha, Jahnvi, "**Human Capital Migration and International Trade: A Comparative Case Study of Germany and Austria, 2000 to 2024**" (2025). 2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects-Archive. 32.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_fall2025/32
Included in
Growth and Development Commons, International and Comparative Labor Relations Commons, International Economics Commons, Labor Economics Commons, Macroeconomics Commons, Political Economy Commons
Comments
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Antonia Gkergki, for her invaluable guidance and support throughout this thesis. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Cynthia St. John, Ms. Courtney King, and Ms. Jackie Fouse for providing the opportunity to visit Germany and Austria, which offered meaningful firsthand insights into the European economy. I also extend my deepest appreciation to the “Cohort 21” for their camaraderie and support during our travels. My thanks go to the Honors College team - Emily, Bree, and Dr. Mak - for making the four years of college and this experience both enriching and memorable. Finally, I am profoundly grateful to my parents, and to Laura and her family for giving me a sense of home away from home. I am also especially thankful to my friends, Daisy and Mosharat, whose constant encouragement has supported me through this project and throughout my journey at UTA.