Skip to main content

NEWS

Fostering Talent in Europe's Regions: A Call for Action

Article written by Ivana Rae Almora - Project Manager

The EU is committed to addressing the challenges posed by demographic change, particularly the decline in tertiary-educated populations across regions.

To this end, the Talent Booster Mechanism has been launched, with Pillar 1 - Technical Assistance, playing a pivotal role. This pillar focuses on providing support to selected EU regions, out of 46 eligible ones, aiming to empower regional and local authorities in strategically leveraging their tertiary-educated labour force while addressing the effects of demographic change and brain drain.

The purpose of this assistance is clear: to equip regional and local authorities with the tools needed to unlock the potential of their tertiary-educated workforce, combat demographic challenges, and mitigate the impacts of brain drain. It will involve identifying the specific needs and priorities of these regions and offering methodological support and advice to attract, retain, and develop talents effectively.

Each selected region can anticipate a resource allocation of approximately 55 expert-days, although this may vary depending on the extent of technical assistance required and overall demand. At the conclusion of the initiative, every region will receive a customized strategic roadmap, encapsulated within a comprehensive report that includes an action plan.

Moreover, the selected regions will also have the option to request an analytical paper that delves deeper into specific issues requiring in-depth analysis. This additional layer of support enables regions to tailor their strategies to address their unique challenges effectively. It also encourages discussion of their individual development visions within the context of the four working groups integral to the Harnessing Talent Platform.

In essence, this initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that the EU's regions can harness their untapped talent, combat demographic shifts, and build prosperous and sustainable futures. It empowers regions to take charge of their development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of demographic change. The call for technical assistance is open until October 20, 2023, providing regions with an opportunity to access the resources and guidance needed to nurture their talent and thrive in a changing landscape.

For more information about this call, please click here.