Retention and attraction of TALENT for a better deployment of Smart Specialisation Strategies

Free movement of labor is essential for reducing regional disparities within the European Union, but it should occur voluntarily rather than out of economic necessity. The EU faces challenges related to brain drain and depopulation, which risk deepening regional inequalities. What is the main purpose of the TALENT4S3 project? TALENT4S3 aims to improve policy tools for the retention and attraction of skilled workers across the EU, particularly in regions facing brain drain and economic stagnation. By refining policies around Smart Specialization Strategies (S3), the project seeks to build an ecosystem supporting innovation, training, and quality employment, helping citizens stay in or relocate to areas where their skills are needed. What are the core strategies used to achieve this purpose? The project emphasizes interregional learning and collaboration, allowing partners from diverse EU regions to share successful practices and enhance policy instruments. This is achieved through study visits, thematic workshops, and knowledge exchanges, uniting local authorities, universities, businesses, and citizens to craft strategies that balance workforce needs with available talent pools. What impact is the project aiming for, and what challenges does it address? TALENT4S3 seeks to reduce regional disparities in talent availability, aligning with EU Cohesion Policy goals of balanced development. The project addresses major challenges such as demographic decline, regional inequality, and limited career prospects in certain areas. By making less attractive regions more appealing for high-skilled workers, TALENT4S3 aspires to foster long-term growth and stability across the EU.

The project contributes to the advancement of science by deepening the understanding of brain-drain processes, interregional disparities, and the impacts of Smart Specialisation policies. It generates new scientific insights into how to create environments that foster innovation and the circulation of knowledge, and enables the development of methodological approaches for studying talent and regional ecosystems.

The project plays an important role in strengthening the strategic development of the Republic of Slovenia, as it supports the more effective implementation of the Slovenian Sustainable Smart Specialisation Strategy (S5), which represents a key component of the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027 and an essential instrument for promoting regional development. Since the current strategy does not adequately address the challenges of brain drain and the mismatches between the supply of and demand for skills at regional (NUTS III) and local levels, the project makes a significant contribution to closing these gaps. This is particularly relevant in the context of the transition to a circular economy, which requires tailored competences and targeted development approaches. By establishing and implementing the entrepreneurial discovery process at the NUTS III level, the project enables more differentiated policy design, strengthens regional innovation ecosystems, and contributes to the long-term competitiveness, resilience, and balanced development of the Republic of Slovenia.