Demographic Development Strategy for the Canton of Schaffhausen

Demographic changes have a profound impact on economic, societal and political developments. In light of these challenges, the Canton of Schaffhausen aims to devise a cantonal demographic strategy to help it get a head start on responding to the challenges and orienting its services to take account of the changing needs of its residents.

Working on behalf of the canton, EBP made use of key data on the changes that have occurred so far to develop a scenario of future population development according to various categories such as age, gender and migration. This scenario and the main trends it reflects form the basis of the demographic development strategy.

Using our analysis of the information gathered, we joined forces with a cross-department working group to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with demographic development in the canton and any need for action on the part of the city’s policymakers and administration. In light of the anticipated demographic changes, the report outlines the following four strategic objectives: (1) secure a needs-based pool of qualified workers, (2) promote autonomy and well-being via highly localized and client-specific healthcare and support services, (3) align settlement and transportation-system developments to demographic developments and needs, and (4) tailor the city’s educational services to accommodate an increasingly heterogeneous population. The report contains a total of 28 measures conceived to meet these objectives.
 
The contents of the demographic development strategy are to provide a basis for the Cantonal Governing Council’s legislative planning for 2017 – 2020 and the proposed measures are to be largely included in the legislative program for 2017 – 2020. The report thereby represents a basis for essential public discourse concerning the consequences of demographic change and our response to this change.

Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Wandervogel, CC-BY-SA 2.0 DE