Cross-border Talent Bridge: Attracting Talents to the Öresund Region

The Cross-border Talent Bridge initiative, part of the Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak EU program, aims to strengthen the supply of skilled professionals in the Life Science and Tech sectors (med-tech, food-tech, and biotech) within the Greater Copenhagen region. By addressing the talent shortage on both sides of the Öresund strait, the project brings together key stakeholders to enhance the region’s global appeal to specialized talent.

The project’s partners include leading organizations such as the City of Lund, Copenhagen Capacity, Medicon Village, Ideon Science Park, Open Tech, City of Copenhagen, and Medicon Valley Alliance, with support from universities and other influential actors.

The primary focus is on helping companies in these industries find and retain talent, with an additional emphasis on attracting international professionals, especially master’s graduates, PhDs, postdocs, and their families.

Drawing on a deep understanding of the region’s labor needs, the partnership has developed innovative strategies to attract and retain talent. Through cross-border collaboration, they share insights and successful approaches to addressing these challenges. Building on the success of past efforts, this project will further strengthen cooperation and drive meaningful impact.

Focus areas

To overcome barriers to attracting and retaining talent, the project focuses on four areas:

• Talent retention
• Talent attraction
• Policy impact
• Cross-border collaboration and strategy

Expected results

• A cross-border cooperation model with shared methods.
• Mapping of factors and barriers for talent mobility.
• A long-term cross-border talent strategy.

Expected long-term effects

• More international talent in key areas.
• More talent staying after studies/employment.
• Shift in companies’ recruitment attitudes, especially SMEs.
• Simplified processes for talent retention.
• Greater awareness of the region as a career destination.
• International talent viewing the region as a unified labor market.

Project website

Project website: Cross-border Talent Bridge