Enhancing Talent Attraction and Development: The Emilia-Romagna Delegation Explores Dutch Strategies

The European DIG.INT project (Digital Internationalization Trainers) aims to support the internationalization of Vocational Education and Training (VET) by leveraging digital transformation opportunities. The project addresses the challenge of limited exposure to innovation and internationalization for VET professionals, which hinders their ability to match the evolving demands of enterprises and provide genuine international learning experiences for students. By equipping VET personnel with the necessary skills—ranging from knowledge of EU mobility tools to integrating digital technologies in virtual student exchanges and work-based learning—DIG.INT seeks to enhance the attractiveness and international capacity of VET systems.

A delegation from Emilia-Romagna recently participated in a study visit to the Netherlands to explore innovative strategies and services aimed at attracting and enhancing talent.

This visit underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing common challenges, such as the need for more digitally equipped and globally minded VET systems. As a result, the initiative not only contributes to regional development in Emilia-Romagna but also exemplifies how can drive innovation and collaboration across borders.

Study Visit to the Netherlands: A Delegation from Emilia-Romagna Explores Strategies and Services for Talent Attraction and Development

From November 25 to 28, an institutional study visit took place in Eindhoven and Utrecht, involving a delegation from Emilia-Romagna. The visit aimed to deepen understanding of best practices in talent attraction and development implemented in the Netherlands. Supported by ART-ER, the delegation included representatives from municipalities, universities, academies, and music conservatories currently engaged in initiatives funded by the Regional Administration to develop or enhance services for talent attraction and retention (and for their families) in Emilia-Romagna.

In the local context, the delegation met with representatives from Brainport and the Holland Expat Center South in Eindhoven, as well as the Utrecht International Center in Utrecht. These meetings showcased how the Netherlands supports talent and their families by facilitating bureaucratic procedures and providing information about public initiatives and events that promote social and cultural integration. Through a “one-stop shop” model, these organizations offer integrated assistance with bureaucratic matters such as residence permits, visa issuance, municipal registration, health insurance enrollment, and digital ID cards. They also support participation in events and networking opportunities to ease newcomers’ integration into the local community.

The academic institutions visited included Fontys University of Applied Sciences, HKU University of the Arts, and HKU Utrechts Conservatory. These universities highlighted their approaches to fostering synergies between academia and the local community through predominantly practical educational programs. This allows students to work closely with businesses and local organizations. They also promote multidisciplinary collaboration between students in scientific and humanities fields, aiming to create synergies and stimulate creativity.

Finally, the delegation met with Utrecht University, which presented strategies and models designed to drive regional innovation through targeted partnerships at regional, national, and international levels. These efforts aim to create research communities of excellence that transcend traditional academic boundaries and connect regional and international networks of research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Through the development of interdisciplinary hubs, Utrecht University fosters long-term collaborations with public and private stakeholders, delivering tangible social and economic benefits while promoting the retention of students, researchers, and future professionals in the region.

In conclusion, presentations and discussions with Dutch colleagues painted a clear picture: the strategies implemented by various stakeholders focus on the well-being of talent and their families through a wide range of services and close collaboration among academic institutions, businesses, and local administrations. One key takeaway from the visit was the indispensable role of collaboration between institutions, academia, and businesses in understanding regional needs and implementing targeted, flexible actions for talent attraction and retention.

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