The Talent Booster Mechanism (TBM), launched by the European Commission, is a policy response to the demographic challenges facing many European regions. The mechanism supports regions at risk of falling into a “talent development trap” by fostering reforms and investments that enhance regional attractiveness, competitiveness, and ultimately, the right to stay.

Across the day, participants engaged in high-level debates, keynote speeches, and thematic sessions that tackled Europe’s pressing demographic transition. Discussions focused on regional competitiveness, skills development, youth inclusion, and innovation-driven growth. Contributions from the OECD, European Commission (DG REGIO and DG EMPL), and academic experts like Prof. Arnstein Aassve (Bocconi University) enriched the dialogue with critical reflections on shrinking populations, labour shortages, and intergenerational sustainability.

Panellists from regions such as Saxony-Anhalt, Vest, Extremadura, and Celjeshared hands-on experiences in fostering local entrepreneurship, leveraging Artificial Intelligence for public service delivery, and engaging communities in co-creating solutions. The importance of data-driven policy was also underlined by contributions from ESPON and the Joint Research Centre (JRC), who presented evidence on demographic dynamics and regional adaptation strategies. The event concluded with a networking reception, providing an open space for building synergies and shaping future collaborations.

For EURADA, the event was a valuable opportunity to amplify the voice of regional development agencies within a major EU initiative. Our role in Pillar 1 reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders in designing inclusive and future-oriented talent strategies. As the Harnessing Talent Platform evolves, EURADA will continue to act as a bridge between the EU and regions, supporting knowledge exchange, policy implementation, and cooperation across the European talent ecosystem.