How can European regions create the conditions for skilled professionals to build their careers and futures locally? KMOP joined an interregional exchange in Catalonia, Spain, to explore practical approaches to talent retention, regional development and sustainable economic growth.
KMOP participated in a two-day study visit in Sant Quirze del Vallès, Spain, on 22–23 October 2026, bringing together European partners and regional stakeholders under the Motors of Growth project, funded by Interreg Europe.
The meeting focused on a challenge facing many European regions: how to attract and retain skilled workers while responding to changing labour market needs, industrial transformation and the green and digital transitions.
Participants exchanged experiences, explored regional good practices and discussed how cooperation between public authorities, businesses, educational institutions and employment services can create more attractive places to live and work.
How Catalonia is connecting talent with opportunity
During the visit, representatives of Catalan organisations presented initiatives supporting employment, vocational training, innovation and business development.
Among the contributors were ACCIÓ, the Catalan Public Employment Service (SOC), the Vallès Occidental County Council and the Association of Entrepreneurs and Industrial Estate Owners of Sant Quirze del Vallès.
The discussions highlighted approaches to connecting people with employment opportunities and helping businesses access the skills they need.
Examples included Catalunya Incoming, an initiative supporting the attraction of international talent, and Tecniospring, a programme focused on research talent.
Participants also explored an innovative virtual escape room designed to introduce young people to industrial careers, demonstrating how interactive learning can encourage interest in vocational pathways.
Another focus was the role of local authorities in connecting companies with regional support programmes, improving access to industrial areas and responding to businesses’ practical needs.
What does it take to make talent stay in European regions?
The exchange highlighted several important considerations for regions seeking to attract and retain skilled professionals.
- Stronger cooperation across sectors: Effective regional responses depend on coordination between public administrations, employers, education providers and employment organisations.
- Closer links between education and employment: Training opportunities and career guidance need to reflect changing industry requirements and emerging skills needs.
- More attractive regional environments: Talent retention extends beyond employment opportunities. Quality of life, transport connectivity, housing and access to services also influence people’s decisions about where to live and work.
- Innovative approaches to career development: Initiatives that introduce young people to industrial professions can strengthen awareness of local career opportunities.
For KMOP, the exchange provided an opportunity to explore how successful regional practices can inform more effective approaches to skills development, employment and economic growth. Through Motors of Growth, KMOP will continue working with European partners to share knowledge, identify transferable solutions and contribute to regional policies that create opportunities for skilled professionals to build their futures locally.
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