This communication, within the context of the European Year of Skills, introduced the Talent Booster Mechanism (TBM). Composed of 8 different pillars, the TBM aims to address issues related to the demographic transition and talent harnessing. Part of this initiative, the Harnessing Talent Platform kicked off in March 2023, presenting a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of best practices and offering services to regions in need of support related to the topic.
After the formation of 4 thematic Working Groups and the closing of an Open Call for Expressions of Interest to receive tailored Technical Assistance in 10 of those 46 regions in a talent development trap, the HTP, together with DG-REGIO hosted its launch event last Thursday the 23 October 2023 in Brussels. Other than information about the HTP and its services, the event was packed with high-level debates and panel discussions on different aspects of the demographic transition.
The event started with the intervention of Dubravka Šuica, Vice-president of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, and Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. Ferreira recalled the publication of the aforementioned communication, and celebrated the multiple milestones accomplished in 2023, including the launching of the HTP, which is the first visible step for the work of the TBM initiative. Ferreira also introduced the upcoming Open Call for Expressions of Interest to receive Technical Assistance on the ground, aimed at the 36 regions at risk of falling into a talent development trap.
A keynote speech delivered by Ron Boschma, Professor in Regional Economics at Utrecht University highlighted the need for the identification of diversification opportunities through the enhancement of local capabilities and the encouragement of inter-regional linkages. The speech was followed by one high-level debate on demographic change and regional prosperity and two panel discussions on the territorial dimension of demographic challenges and on addressing talent development disparities through socio-economic policies.
The event closed with an Info Session on the activities of the HTP and the TBM. The Harnessing Talent Platform was introduced by Consortium members Virginie Laye and Jan Kramer, who described activities such as the 4 thematic Working Groups and the Technical Assistance for the 46 regions in a talent development trap.
From the OECD, Rudiger Ahrend introduced the upcoming TBM Pillar 2 Call of Expression of Interest to open in December 2023 addressed to those 36 regions at risk of falling into a talent development trap. 10 regions will be selected for expert, tailored assistance on the ground. DG-REFORM followed with a presentation on Pillar 3’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI) activities. The TSI is aimed at both regional and national levels, and it is only implemented at the explicit request of the authorities. The Open call for the 2024 TSI closed on 31st October 2023.
Finally, the event came to a close with remarks from Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, and Themis Christophidou, Director General for Regional and Urban Policy in the European Commission.
The event was attended by Roberta Dall’Olio, Ivana Rae Almora and María Midón from the EURADA Secretariat, who are also involved in the implementation of the HTP, and it presented an excellent opportunity for networking with regional stakeholders and learning about the current demographic trends affecting EU regions today.
For more information about the event and activities organised by the Harnessing Talent Platform, contact secretariat(at)harnessingtalentplatform.eu or visit the website.
