Talent Booster Mechanism in Action: EARLALL Engages in Harnessing Talent Platform Mid-Term Event
19/03/2025
On March 18, 2025, the European regions came together at the “Talent Booster Mechanism in Action” mid-term event, hosted under the umbrella of the Harnessing Talent Platform. The event, held in Brussels, brought together around 80 participants, including representatives from European regions, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders committed to fostering talent development and regional competitiveness.
A Platform for Talent Development and Regional Growth
The event was structured around a series of high-level discussions, keynote speeches, and panel sessions that explored strategies for enhancing regional attractiveness and economic opportunities. Key topics included demographic trends, youth engagement, and the resilience of the EU’s workforce in the face of changing socio-economic dynamics.
Notable speakers included Nicola De Michelis, Acting Deputy Director-General of DG REGIO, and Arnstein Aassve, a Professor in Demography at Bocconi University, who provided insights into the evolving European demographic landscape. Aassve emphasized that to effectively address the demographic challenges ahead, lifelong learning must be a key strategy, ensuring that individuals continue to develop and adapt their skills throughout their careers.
Another crucial perspective came from Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions, and Cities at the OECD. She highlighted the necessity of placing regional policy at the core of both national and European competitiveness and investment strategies. Her message reinforced the importance of tailored, place-based approaches to regional development that respond to specific local needs and opportunities.
Nicola De Michelis outlined four key governance priorities to tackle these challenges effectively:
- Reforms and the Role of the Subnational Level – Strengthening the involvement of local and regional governments in policy reforms is essential for achieving impactful results.
- Integration – Addressing multiple challenges simultaneously, including essential services, labor markets, demographics, and housing, is crucial for holistic development.
- The Role of Territories, Places, and Communities – As the EU may sometimes feel distant, it is vital to engage local knowledge and expertise to ensure more effective policymaking.
- Investment in Institutions and Capacity Building – Utilizing available resources and tools to strengthen institutions and promote interregional cooperation is fundamental to long-term success.
The event also featured a high-level debate on shaping regional competitiveness and a panel discussion on boosting talent and increasing economic opportunities.
As a member of the Harnessing Talent Platform working group for Research and Innovation, EARLALL was present in the event and engaged in the discussions, emphasizing the role of lifelong learning in fostering talent retention and workforce adaptability.
The Union of Skills
Manuela Geleng, Director for Jobs and Skills at DG EMPL. delivered an insightful presentation on the Communication on the “Union of Skills,” published on March 5th emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation among EU regions to develop and retain skilled workers. Geleng highlighted the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to bridge skill gaps and promote vocational training and lifelong learning as essential tools for boosting economic growth and social cohesion. Her speech reinforced the importance of aligning regional and national policies to create a resilient and adaptive workforce.
Key Takeaways and next steps
The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion on tackling demographic transitions and enhancing EU regions’ ability to attract and retain talent. The exchange of best practices and successful regional initiatives highlighted how collaborative efforts can drive sustainable economic growth and social cohesion.
The Harnessing Talent Platform continues to serve as an essential space for fostering regional cooperation and ensuring that talent policies remain at the forefront of the EU’s development agenda.
For more information about the Harnessing Talent Platform and its initiatives, visit Harnessing Talent Platform.
