Nordic Region Launched New Talent Retention Projects
The initiatives aim to help employers attract and keep specialized workers through 2028.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Remote Work
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Nordic Innovation has launched two projects, Work in Nordics and the Nordic Quantum Talent Attraction and Retention Initiative, to improve the recruitment and long-term retention of international experts in the region. The programs will operate through February 2028 to address high turnover rates for skilled workers.
Why it matters
The Nordic region has struggled to retain highly skilled arrivals, who often exit the area shortly after moving. These initiatives aim to lower attrition by tackling systemic integration hurdles like limited professional networks and language barriers.
Nordic Innovation launched two specific projects that will run through February 2028 to support talent retention. The scale of investment and the total number of employers expected to participate remain under review.
The players
Nordic Innovation
An organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers that promotes sustainable growth and cross-border collaboration for businesses in the Nordic region.
The details
The projects address talent integration through centralized infrastructure, including a new Nordic Quantum Internship and Mobility Platform and an online Nordic Quantum Ecosystem Navigator. These tools provide professional guidance and simplified access to information on mobility regulations. Furthermore, the initiative will facilitate an annual Nordic Quantum Career Fair and publish a compendium of best practices for regional employers to standardize recruitment strategies.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Nordic Innovation announced the two talent projects.
February 2028: The operations for both initiatives are scheduled to conclude.
Market Landscape
The initiative follows a long-standing trend of regional labor mobility efforts similar to the European Blue Card directive. It marks a shift toward centralizing talent integration rather than relying on disparate national efforts.
Employers operating in the Nordic region should monitor the upcoming internship and mobility platforms for potential recruitment opportunities. Reviewing the forthcoming best-practice compendium may also help refine your internal hiring and integration processes for international candidates.
The takeaway
The region is prioritizing the retention of PhD-level quantum talent to stem the loss of highly skilled workers. Managers should watch for the release of the best-practices compendium to adjust their own onboarding strategies for international hires.
Further reading
For more on managing international talent, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nordic Innovation.
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