Part 6/16:
The immediate postwar years saw significant labour shortages due to the return of refugees and demobilized soldiers, exacerbated by the loss of forced wartime labour. Workers faced starvation—average caloric intake was only 65% of recommended levels—and high absenteeism as many sought food elsewhere. Numerous skilled workers emigrated to West Germany, especially after learning about the thousands of colleagues taken by the Soviets, leading to a brain drain that seriously hampered technical and industrial revival.
The lack of research funding and the migration of educated personnel created a stark technological stagnation. University departments and research centers predominantly operated in West Germany, further isolating East Germany from technological innovation.