Talent First builds lasting cooperation in North Savo – join the region’s talent attraction efforts

The external evaluation of the Talent First project (1 September 2023–30 June 2026) shows that a strong foundation has been successfully built for regional talent attraction efforts in North Savo. According to the evaluation, the project’s most significant achievement has been strengthening cooperation between stakeholders and creating shared structures and operating models that enable the work to be continued and further developed.

During the project, a network has been established in North Savo that brings together municipalities, educational institutions, development companies and businesses to address challenges and perspectives related to talent availability. Joint efforts have increased trust between stakeholders and created a stronger shared understanding of talent needs and the labour market situation.

According to the evaluation, the project has been particularly successful in bringing different stakeholders to the same table and creating concrete tools for collaboration across organisational boundaries.

The formation of a new multi-actor network has been initiated, and the work will continue during autumn 2026. Strengthening the role of the business sector is seen as a key next step.

The coordination of the initial phase of future activities will be the responsibility of the City of Kuopio. This provides a home base for the activities and ensures continuity of cooperation beyond the project period. This solution was reached in agreement with the project network. In the future, the network will have the authority to decide on the leading organisation for subsequent operating periods.

The key message of the external evaluation is clear: North Savo now has a functional platform for collaboration, but its full potential will only be realised when an increasing number of stakeholders actively participate in joint efforts.

Going forward, attracting, retaining and employing talent will require even closer partnership between the public sector, educational institutions and businesses.

The data, communication and tools produced during the project provide concrete benefits for regional stakeholders, and this work will continue. Measures will be implemented based on identified needs, which will be defined together with the future network.

The aim is to build more impactful cooperation, where regional stakeholders jointly develop solutions to talent shortages, share knowledge and strengthen the attractiveness and retention of North Savo in a long-term manner.

Now is the right time to invest in partnership.

Further information: Reetta Airaksinen, Project Manager, Talent First, +358 44 718 2025, reetta.airaksinen@kuopio.fi