Talent ecosystems are integrated networks of training providers and employers of researchers (academia, non-academic sectors, and businesses) from across the European Research Area (ERA).

The cluster event will showcase 10 Talent Ecosystem projects funded under Horizon Europe’s ‘Reforming and enhancing the research & innovation system’ 2024 call. At the time of the event, the projects will have completed about one year of activities. 

What to expect from the event?

The event will collect first inputs and recommendations from the projects for policy purposes and enable sharing experiences and practices regarding research careers development paths, training, management of R&I career profiles, to address European labour market needs.

The discussions will be useful to inform future steps for the ERA Structural policy on strengthening research careers, as well as provide information to future applicants in view of the 2027 ERA call for proposals (HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-05-ERA-02).

Who should attend?

We invite stakeholders of the ERA Structural Policy on strengthening research careers, i.e. researchers, research organisations from private and public sector, and policy makers, such as the ERA Forum to join the discussions.

The event is organised by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), in cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), and the 10 Talent Ecosystems projects.

AGENDA

09:00–09:15 I Opening and welcome(by RTD.A2 and REA.C4, European Commission) 

Introduction to the event’s objectives 

09:15–09:25 I Icebreaker (by the projects)

‘Talent Ecosystem’ concept and its anticipated transformational impact

09:25–09:50 I Policy framing keynote: From policy intention to portfolio expectations

Strategic orientation and future outlook of the ERA Structural Policy

By RTD.A2 and with the co-chairs of the ERA Structural Policy on Research Careers

SESSION 1 – Showcasing Progress and Synergies 

09:50–11:10 I Talent Ecosystem activation – state of play (by the projects) 

Sharing first results and insights after one year of implementation

Leading projects: SmartResearchers and BREATH, ECROS, SECURE2

11:10–11:30 I Coffee break

SESSION 2 – Collecting & Providing Policy Inputs

11:30–13:00 I First feedback to policy (by the projects)

Structured feedback to policy makers on strengthening research careers

Leading projects: DeepTechSeeds, ARCOE, INSIGHT, NextTechTalents

13:00–14:30 I Lunch break

SESSION 3 – Increasing Impact of Future Grants

14:30–15:30 I Informing the next generation of Talent Ecosystems (by the projects) 

Inspiring future Talent Ecosystems and increasing the portfolio impact

Leading projects: ECROS and AttractAdria

With RESKILLSPAN, CareerEnhance, ERA-CAREERS

CONCLUSIONS

15:30–15:50 I Portfolio Policy Synthesis (by external experts)

Structured observations and recommendations

15:50–16:00 I Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks(by REA.C4, European Commission) 

CLOSING RECEPTION

16:00–17:30 I Networking cocktail (for participants attending on-site)