The migrant crisis should not be seen as a threat but an opportunity.
Lets apply our creative talents and find ways to mutually benefit from such changes.
“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger–but recognize the opportunity.” ― John F. Kennedy
In many ways migration can be viewed as labour mobility from one country to another, so what can be gained from this?
Instead of patrolling and policing borders, using up valuable resources without creating an end product, maybe we can create new manufacturing opportunities in Europe and the USA that can facilitate migrant integration and also offer first step employment. For example where immigration reception camps can refer willing migrants to factory bases with temporary accommodation/housing facilities for temporary employment programs. Maybe similar to the the “Guest Worker” programs in Germany in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Of course currently there are not more job vacancies than people as in the 1960’s and European, or US labour costs can never be as low as those in developing countries. But advanced manufacturing machines can be created to simplify labour and reduce a factory workforce, while still manufacturing a similar product in similar quantities.
New advanced manufacturing factories in Europe and the USA would not just create new jobs internally, but also require a network of external suppliers and in turn create more companies and more jobs.
Can advanced footwear manufacturing be leveraged to create a new domestic footwear manufacturing industry in the USA? Employing migrants in integration programs to monitor manufacturing robots and assemble and pack footwear?
And quite possibly a migrant worker will be more motivated and a have greater incentives to remain and prosper in a host country, than a citizen who may take many of the benefits of living in the same country for granted.
Photo Via Oregon Live
74 FOOTWEAR DESIGN CONSULTING 