It aims to do this by piloting talent attraction efforts in the US market. The pilot will focus on deep tech talent in the US, targeting profiles relevant to AI, quantum and space-related industries.
Background
The project has a dual purpose. In the short term, it aims to help Nordic employers attract critical talent needed for growth, innovation and research capacity. In the longer term, it seeks to lay the foundation for a permanent Nordic Talent Attraction Alliance and a Work in the Nordics concept and brand. The project responds to a clear gap.
The Nordic collaboration offers strong potential in remote markets, but currently doesen't exist a Nordic platform for talent attraction and retention. A central idea is that the Nordics have greater visibility and stronger brand recognition as a region than many individual countries or cities do in distant markets such as the US.
The proposed consortium brings together complementary capabilities. The work is structured around 3 work packages. Future Place Leadership as pilot and WP1 lead. Work in Finland as WP2 lead, and Work in Trondheim as WP3 lead, supported by Mesh Startup Community and a reference group of leading talent-attraction actors. The collaboration model is based on systems thinking and collective impact, with a neutral backbone organization coordinating efforts while partners contribute through their existing strengths.
Nordic added value
The project is designed as both a practical talent-attraction pilot and a strategic institution-building effort. Its expected outcomes include sharper talent intelligence, stronger Nordic employer support, improved onboarding models, greater international visibility for the Nordics, and the first concrete building blocks of a durable Nordic Talent Attraction Alliance.
Project partners
| Future Place Leadership - Project owner | Sweden |
| Business Finland | Finland |
| Work in Trondheim, Mid-Norway Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NiT) | Norge |
