Good Practices

The Aragon Retorno Joven initiative, launched by the Aragonese Youth Institute (IAJ), aimed to facilitate the return of young Aragonese professionals who had spent over 15 months outside of Spain. It provided a comprehensive support system, including financial assistance, job search services, housing support, psychological support and personalised counselling.

The 130 Measures Plan is Spain’s multifaceted initiative addressing the demographic challenge. Developed through coordinated actions across all ministries, this plan is fully aligned with the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and guarantees the incorporation of small municipalities into a green, digital, and inclusive recovery.

The Brain Back Umbria project, initiated by the Agenzia Umbria Ricerche, tackled the pressing issue of talent migration from the Umbria region. With official data showing a sustained rise in skilled individuals moving abroad, the project aimed to better understand the phenomenon and develop strategies to leverage the potential of Umbrian expatriates.

Startup Estonia is a national initiative that strengthens the country’s startup ecosystem by attracting international founders and skilled talent. Launched in 2016 with EU funding, it supports startup growth through streamlined visa programmes and strong public-private collaboration, helping Estonia become a key innovation hub in Europe.

The SOMOPRO initiative aimed to enhance the quality of research in the South Moravian region by attracting highly qualified international researchers. The programme offered fellowships to experienced researchers, facilitating their mobility and career development. The programme brought into the country both foreign and Czech researchers who had been active abroad, supporting them in establishing themselves in the region.

The AURORAL project plays a crucial role in harnessing talent in rural regions by bridging the digital divide with urban areas. By developing a decentralised digital ecosystem for Smart Communities, it unlocks new opportunities for innovation, job creation, and skills development. Piloted across eight European regions, it enables digital connectivity and essential services through advanced IoT applications and data-sharing platforms, fostering attractive environments for talent to thrive.

The Brainport Talent Attraction Programme aims to secure skilled Tech and IT professionals in the Eindhoven region through global marketing campaigns, a dedicated job portal, and employer support services. It fosters regional cooperation among public, private, and academic stakeholders to address labour shortages and boost competitiveness.

The Recruit and Retain project tackled healthcare workforce shortages in remote rural areas across Northern Europe and Canada. It developed a transnational framework to support recruitment and retention, combining research, tailored interventions, and community engagement across diverse regional contexts.

The Start-Up 4 Diaspora project fostered entrepreneurship among former Romanian diaspora members by offering comprehensive support for establishing non-agricultural businesses in urban areas. The scheme combined tailored training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and financial grants to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to launch successful start-ups.

The Moving Global Talent project focused on enhancing the ability of companies in Southern Denmark to attract, onboard, and retain highly qualified international talent through the development of several HR tools.