Talent First project
Talent attraction model of North Savo – impact through collaboration
Achieving North Savo’s attractiveness as a destination for talent requires close regional collaboration and impactful measures. The goal is for the region to be recognised as an appealing and desirable place to work, study and live. The region’s ability to attract and retain talent directly influences the availability of a skilled workforce, which in turn supports the growth and competitiveness of local businesses.
The primary objective of the Talent First project (Talent attraction model of North Savo project) is to attract new talent and workforce to the region, enhance the region’s appeal and retention power, and build collaborative networks.
“The core of the operation is in collaboration.”
Concrete actions within the project include regional network-based cooperation, developing a joint operational model, creating pathways to facilitate the attraction of talent, and a variety of marketing and communication activities, such as the website, talent stories, campaigns, and events.
Websites in Finnish and English
Talent First developed a website that regularly publishes content from the perspectives of talent and expertise. The site promotes national and international visibility, shares regional stories, articles, and general information with talent, and also supports recruitment efforts for local businesses.
The site will highlight the positive buzz that raises the entire region’s attractiveness and increases its appeal. It will feature, among other things, local phenomena, expertise, housing, culture, and quality of life, and will share talents’ experiences through various stories. These include career stories, migration stories of international experts, and narratives about work culture. Additionally, the site will showcase regional leading expertise and the opportunities offered by networks.
Building collaboration with partners
Throughout the project, close collaboration will take place with North Savo businesses, educational institutions, and municipal partners. The project is based on working across municipal, organizational, and corporate boundaries. Communication will be carried out from the perspective of talent and with the aim of raising the visibility of regional expertise. The activities are planned to continue even after the project ends.
There are currently 12 partners in the project, and new partners are welcome to join after the project concludes. The project is managed by the City of Kuopio. Below are the project partners:
- Municipalities: Kuopio (project administrator), Iisalmi, SavoGrow (municipalities: Suonenjoki, Rautalampi, Tervo, Vesanto, Pielavesi, and Keitele)
- Educational institutions: Savonia University of Applied Sciences, UEF
- Public operators: Wellbeing services county of North Savo
- Private operators: Charles River, Novapolis, Kuopio Region Chamber of Commerce, Kuopio-Tahko Marketing, Medikro, PeeÄssä
Learn more about the partners
A talent-driven North Savo is built together
The Talent First project will conclude on 30 June 2026, after which responsibility for coordinating the initiative will transfer to the Employment Services of the City of Kuopio, within International House Kuopio. The aim is to continue regional collaboration through a multi-stakeholder network to strengthen the availability of skilled talent across North Savo.
After the project period, Talent First will operate as a network connecting international talents with companies in need of skilled workers. It brings together growth- and development-oriented companies in North Savo, educational institutions, organisations, municipal actors and regional authorities to jointly secure and promote the availability and long-term engagement of skilled international workforce in the region.
Vision 2040: A talent-driven North Savo is Finland’s most attractive and engaging region for international talent and an appealing growth platform for impactful companies in need of expertise.
Project evaluation and impact assessment
Read the article and explore the external evaluation of the Talent First project: “A strong foundation has been built for the future of talent attraction work in North Savo.“
Project duration: September 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Talent First (Talent attraction model of North Savo – impact through collaboration) is financed by the South Savo Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (North Savo ESF+), the European Union, and 12 North Savonian cooperation partners (September 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026)