SKYLA at the Harnessing Talent Platform
On 6 December, Noelia Cantero, Director of EARLALL, highlighted the role of SKYLA in preparing regions to tackle the twin challenges of digitalisation and sustainability during the Research and Innovation Working Groups of the Harnessing Talent Platform (HTP). The Harnessing Talent Platform (HTP) is a knowledge-building and experience-exchange platform, which seeks to support regions in addressing the consequences of demographic change and in mitigating the challenges associated with the decline of tertiary educated populations across the EU. It ensures that impacted regions receive the guidance, information and knowledge they need to elaborate, consolidate, develop and implement tailored and comprehensive strategies to train, attract and retain talents.
During the meeting, the Working Groups gathered examples of best practices, and EARLALL chose to highlight SKYLA as a standout initiative. Noelia Cantero showcased two exemplary regional initiatives within SKYLA: Regional Skills Dublin and Mind the Gap (Skåne Region). These examples underline SKYLA’s dedication to embedding vocational education and training (VET) into Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3/S4) and regional innovation ecosystems. Once again, SKYLA shows how skills forecasting, policy integration, and excellence in training can shape resilient and adaptive regional strategies.
SKYLA’s Strategic Role in Regional Development
During the meeting, the projects’ priorities were outlined, including supporting future skills development, equipping educators with innovative tools, integrating VET into regional strategies, and raising awareness of job and training opportunities. These efforts address key policy needs, such as aligning training with labour market demands and strengthening partnerships between education providers and employers.
The good practices highlighted during the discussion, such as Regional Skills Dublin and Mind the Gap (Skåne Region), were selected based on these criteria, showcasing how SKYLA’s approach is being implemented at a regional level.
Good Practices Highlighted: Regional Skills Dublin and Mind the Gap
Regional Skills Dublin: The Dublin Regional Skills Forum supports businesses in its region to assess and develop skills for their employees. The Regional Skills Forum also brings people together at local and regional level, to identify, investigate and validate skills needs. Read more here.
Mind the Gap (Skåne Region, Sweden): In Sweden’s Skåne Region, this project provides the right methods and tools for success when training current staff or recruiting new employees. Read more here.
The meeting concluded by highlighting SKYLA’s potential to inform EU strategies on skills development through its innovative methodologies and good practices. SKYLA’s engagement in the Harnessing Talent Platform underscores once again its role in enhancing regional resilience, empowering local authorities, and addressing the labour market’s evolving needs.