Греатер-Копенгаген объединяет Швецию и Данию в единый хаб для привлечения талантов

How Greater Copenhagen turned two countries into one talent hub Both Sweden and Denmark enjoy stellar reputations as leaders in the life science and tech industries. Yet despite offering a wealth of career opportunities for international professionals, both countries face a growing challenge: a shortage of specialised talent. Rather than compete for talent on either side of the Öresund, organisations in Denmark and Sweden are working together to position the wider region as a single destination geared towards global talent. Companies around the world are vying for the brightest minds, giving highly educated professionals – such as researchers, engineers, developers, and STEM graduates – the freedom to choose where they want to live and work. For regions, attracting and retaining this talent is a key driver of growth and competitiveness. But job vacancies alone aren’t enough to win the race. To stand out, destinations need to create a welcoming environment that helps non-natives to thrive both professionally and personally. That’s where the Cross-border Talent Bridge comes in. Launched in September 2024, the initiative – a collaboration among the City of Lund, Ideon Science Park, Medicon Village, OpenTech, the City of Copenhagen, and Medicon Valley Alliance, as well as universities, public authorities, and industry stakeholders – is designed to strengthen the supply of skilled professionals while making the region an attractive place to settle in the long run. Copenhagen – it’s bigger than you think The Greater Copenhagen region covers much more than Denmark’s capital and its surrounding areas. It also encompasses eastern Denmark and southern Sweden, including the vibrant cities of Malmö and Lund. The two countries are linked by the Öresund Bridge, with many people living and working across borders. It’s also one of Northern Europe’s most prolific centres for innovation, densely concentrated with life science companies, biotech firms, med-tech organisations, research institutions, and tech companies – from start-ups and scale-ups to international businesses. But attracting global talent is only part of the equation. It’s retaining them that is often the bigger challenge. From navigating different workplace cultures, helping family members settle, and building friendships to contending with unfamiliar regulations, different labour market structures, and becoming part of local communities, over time, the struggles often outweigh the perks of working abroad. The Cross-border Talent Bridge initiative focuses on four key areas: talent retention, talent attraction, policy impact, and cross-border collaboration and strategy. Together, these efforts aim to address the barriers that make it difficult for international professionals to build long-term careers – and fulfilling lives – in the region. By helping employers to attract skilled professionals, encouraging graduates and researchers to stay after completing their studies, and creating stronger links across the Öresund, the partners hope to strengthen Greater Copenhagen’s position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for life science and tech talent. Connecting talent across borders For international professionals seeking fresh horizons, the Cross-border Talent Bridge offers practical support designed to help them quickly settle into their new home. Among its initiatives are welcome events hosted with partners, including International House Copenhagen. These events introduce newcomers to local services, professional networks, and communities. From practical guidance to professional contacts and community connections, the events open doors to those with no existing ties to the region. The initiative also supports kick-start job programmes run through International Citizen Hub Lund. Aimed at international master’s students, graduates, and early-career professionals, the programmes help them translate their qualifications into local employment opportunities. Support includes familiarising newcomers to the regional workforce with Swedish and Danish workplace culture, CV preparation, LinkedIn optimisations, interview training, and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, the mentorship programme – run by the City of Copenhagen and the City of Lund – helps address one of the biggest challenges faced by internationals: gaining access to local professional networks. The programme matches international talent with experienced local mentors who provide guidance on careers, networking, and navigating the local labour market. It targets graduates, PhDs, and professionals with international backgrounds and includes three meetings over four months, along with workshops and networking opportunities. International Citizen Days The flagship event – International Citizen Days Copenhagen – takes place on 25th and 26th September 2026, in the heart of the Danish capital. Bringing together public authorities, private organisations, and local communities, the two-day event will feature talks, workshops, and activities designed to help internationals navigate life in the region. Covering topics such as career and networking, housing, practical administration, social life and integration, the event will be a one-stop introduction to living and working in Greater Copenhagen. Together, these initiatives support the overarching ambition: to make Greater Copenhagen feel less like two separate countries and more like a single destination where international talent isn’t just welcomed but warmly embraced. Discover the full programme and reserve your place at International Citizens Day 2026. This content was paid for by an advertiser and produced by The Local's Creative Studio.