Faktormangel

Faktormangel is an economic term used to describe a persistent shortage of one or more of the factors of production—the inputs used to create goods and services. The classic factors are labor, capital, land (natural resources), and entrepreneurship (the organizational ability to coordinate production). When one or more of these inputs are in short supply relative to demand, an economy’s potential output can be limited.

Causes of faktormangel vary. Demographic shifts such as an aging population or low birth rates can reduce the available labor force. Skill mismatches between the workforce and employer needs can create bottlenecks in sectors requiring specialized competencies. Insufficient investment or aging capital stock can cause a shortage of productive equipment. Geographic or regulatory barriers may hinder labor mobility or capital deployment. External factors such as supply chain disruptions or fluctuations in raw material availability can also contribute.

The consequences of faktormangel depend on which factor is scarce. Shortages of labor often push up wages and may raise the prices of goods and services, while capital shortages can limit productive capacity and slow growth. In some cases, persistent faktormangel leads to higher inflation, slower potential output growth, or structural unemployment in affected industries. Indicators include rising vacancy rates, underutilized capacity, and persistent gaps between demand and supply in specific labor markets or capital goods.

Policy responses aim to alleviate bottlenecks by expanding supply or improving matching between supply and demand. Examples include investing in education and training, encouraging labor mobility and immigration, providing incentives for business investment in equipment, improving infrastructure, and removing unnecessary regulatory barriers.