REGIONAL ACTORS

There is a broad network of regional Talent Boost participants. Municipalities, ELY Centres, the TE Administration, higher education institutions, non-profit organisations, business sector organisations and companies all play a key role in advancing the objectives of Talent Boost. Together, these participants form networks that develop services aimed at improving the attraction and retention of international talent.

The regional Talent Boost participants play an important role in the development, planning and provision of services related to international talent in their respective regions. The lifestyle and smooth daily life offered by the municipality is significant – in addition to the workplace – when an international specialist considers moving to a new country. Urban regions have played a pioneering role in development efforts related to international talent.

Talent Hubs

At the regional level, Talent Boost is implemented particularly through the Talent Hub service model. Talent Hubs are regional cooperation models that offer customer-driven service paths that cut across organisational boundaries to support the attraction, recruitment, settling in and integration of international talent and facilitate the coming together of companies and international talent. Talent Hub activities strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions, companies and other employers to promote the connections to working life – and employment – of international students and researchers. Talent Hub networks include the city and, at a minimum, the ELY Centre, the TE Office, higher education institutes, business sector representatives (employer or entrepreneur organisations and/or chambers of commerce) and other key participants in the regional business, innovation and growth ecosystem.

Talent Hub development has begun in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Turku, Tampere, Joensuu, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Seinäjoki, Kajaani, Lahti, Savonlinna, Hämeenlinna and, under a regional model, in Pohjois-Savo, South Karelia, Ostrobothnia and Satakunta.

Physical International House service points are one model for the implementation of Talent Hub activities. While the International House service points and their services vary by region, they typically bring the public services related to immigration and entry under one roof. The aim of the International House service points is to make services more accessible to international talent as well as employers.

Cities and municipalities 

Cities and municipalities play a central role in Talent Boost activities. As hubs of the knowledge-based economy, cities are pivotal in attracting and retaining international talent. The attractiveness of cities as places to invest, live and work in – and travel to – is crucial to our success in the competition for talent.  Cities play a central role in creating a living environment that is attractive, interesting and open to new arrivals. 

Cities engage in international marketing communications of their own. Communications targeted at international talent are increasingly a part of these communications activities, especially in the case of large cities. Highlighting urban living environments in the efforts to build and communicate Finland’s country image helps create a more human and concrete picture of Finland.

Cities play a central role in the development of cooperation with companies and the business and innovation ecosystem, supporting internationalisation and international partnerships.  This means that cities also hold a key role in connecting international specialists with these ecosystems and cooperation networks.

In many regions, cities are responsible for the coordination of Talent Hub activities. International talent plays a growing role in the vitality and business services provided by cities. International House service points in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku bring public services related to international talent under one roof and often also serve as a meeting place between companies and international talent. 

Employment and Economic Development Offices 

Employment and Economic Development Offices offer EURES employment services in the EU/EEA, provide employment services for employers and international talent already residing in Finland, issue partial decisions on residence permits for employed persons and provide advisory services related to work permits. Labour market training aimed at international talent, such as Further Educated with Companies (F.E.C.) training, helps companies recruit international talent. TE Offices support companies’ capabilities related to international recruitment and diversification through the IMAGO programme. Team Finland coordinators at ELY Centres encourage companies to take advantage of international talent in promoting their growth and internationalisation. In some regions, such as Ostrobothnia and Pohjois-Savo, ELY Centres have taken it upon themselves to coordinate the regional Talent Hub activities. ELY Centres are also responsible for issuing partial decisions on residence permits for self-employed persons. 

Higher education institutions

Higher education institutions play diverse and active roles in the Talent Boost network. The actions of higher education institutions are focused on the integration of international students, developing their language proficiency and supporting their employment.  

Most higher education institutions operate in the Talent Boost network and, in particular, Talent Hub activities, in national and regional cooperation with cities, regions, organisations representing the Employment and Economic Development administration, projects and other educational institutions. Some higher education institutions play a coordinating role in the Talent Hub net-work, while others are active participants.