Cross-Border Talent Bridge: Strengthening the life sciences and tech sectors in the greater Copenhagen region
The Greater Copenhagen region faces a pressing need for skilled professionals in the life sciences and tech sectors, particularly in the critical areas of medtech, biotech, and foodtech. This talent shortage challenges the growth and global competitiveness of companies in these fields. Consequently, as the Greater Copenhagen region strives to lead in these areas, attracting and retaining highly qualified international talent has become essential.
Uniting key players to close the talent gap
The Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak project, Cross-border Talent Bridge, brings together key players to tackle this talent gap. The project is led by the City of Lund and co-led by Copenhagen Capacity, with partners including Ideon Science Park, Medicon Village, Open Tech, the City of Copenhagen, and the Medicon Valley Alliance. Supported by several universities and other organisations, this cross-border initiative is dedicated to positioning the Greater Copenhagen region as a globally attractive hub for life sciences and tech expertise.
To achieve its goals, the project focuses on four strategic areas:
- Talent Retention
- Talent Attraction
- Policy Impact
- Cross-Border Collaboration and Strategy
Creating a globally recognised region for life sciences and tech careers
The Cross-border Talent Bridge partners envision a region that stands out globally as a cohesive and attractive career destination for life sciences and tech specialists. The long-term vision is to develop a cross-border cooperation model that fosters sustainable talent attraction and retention, shifts hiring practices (especially within SMEs), and strengthens the entire ecosystem for skilled professionals in the Greater Copenhagen region.
The project aims to achieve measurable outcomes, such as:
- a steady increase in international talent within key industries;
- improved retention of skilled professionals;
- a culture of cross-border mobility; and
- an enhanced global reputation for the Greater Copenhagen region.
By mapping talent mobility factors and addressing recruitment challenges, the project’s efforts will create a streamlined environment that supports both incoming talent and the companies seeking their expertise.
Medicon Village: At the heart of regional growth and collaboration
This Interreg project is particularly important for Medicon Village, as it strengthens the Greater Copenhagen region’s position as a thriving, globally recognised centre for life sciences and tech talent. By enhancing the region’s international competitiveness, it creates a supportive landscape where companies and professionals can succeed together.
For Medicon Village, the first major event connected to the Cross-border Talent Bridge project is Career Day | Life Science on 4 December. The Career Day is aimed at Master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdocs specialising in life sciences, and companies are welcome to book a stand in the exhibition to connect with the well-educated students.
“We anticipate a full auditorium and well-attended breakout sessions during this full-day event. As part of the Career Day, we are offering companies with recruitment needs the opportunity to book exhibitor spaces to connect with well-educated students looking for employment in the life sciences sector,” says Lottie Norrsén, Event & Project Manager at Medicon Village Innovation.
If you would like to learn more about the Cross-border Talent Bridge project, please feel free to reach out to our Innovation Manager, Francesco Bez, at francesco.bez@mediconvillage.se.