International talents as a resource for SMEs in Ostrobothnia
As Finland struggles with labour shortages and an aging population, regional solutions to attract new talents are more important than ever. In Ostrobothnia, Ready for Talents project, coordinated by Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, is bridging the gap between international professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.
The project, funded through Regional Council of Ostrobothnia’s AKKE funding, strengthens companies’ readiness to recruit international talents and helps international students and graduates identify career opportunities in the region already during their studies. The project combines practical tools, real-life experiences, and co-creation.
“As part of the project, a mobile application developed for companies assesses and enhances their readiness for international recruitment. A gamified survey and benchmarking feature, piloted in collaboration with the Central Chamber of Commerce, provide concrete feedback on recruitment practices,” says Sara Nyyssölä, Project Manager for Ready for Talents.
Among the pilot companies, for example, Alteams Oy has already tested the application and developed its workplace competencies from an international perspective.
”Ultimately, it’s about small things that make a big difference,” summarises Suvi Anttila, HR Manager from Alteams.
The project has also produced a podcast series in which international professionals share their experiences of working life and building a career in Finland. The episodes cover topics such as networking, the hidden job market, employers’ perspectives, and entrepreneurship.
Collaboration and dialog at the core
Future Workforce seminar during the EnergyWeek, organised in collaboration with the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce and VASEK, brought together experts, students, companies and public sector representatives to talk about the future of working life. The message was clear: diversity is the engine of innovation, and stronger networks benefit everyone.
In the project, international talents have been involved not only as a target group but also as active contributors. One example is Kartik Sharma, who initially volunteered at the YoungTalk event and was later recruited as a project employee. This is an example of how visibility and inclusion lead to concrete results.
”Now Sharma coordinates an international team of volunteers for YoungTalk, which brings a genuinely international perspective to the event and strengthens inclusion,” Nyyssölä concludes.
Dissemination of results and sharing of models
In the final phase of the project, the focus is on implementing the results and sharing the models. YoungTalk25 event and seminar at Wasa Future Festival on August 12, 2025, brings together the local actors once again.
”Ready for Talents project demonstrates how a region can build a sustainable future by identifying, involving, and activating the existing expertise,” says Nyyssölä and continues: ”A heartfelt thank you to the project’s funder, the members of the steering group, and everyone who participated in the project activities!”
Thank you to: Alteams Oy, Business Kristinestad, Design and Disrupt, EduPower Oy, Ekvalita Ab, ELY-keskus, Energy Week, Hanken, Kempower, Keskuskauppakamari, Novia, Pohjanmaan kauppakamari, Rannikko-Pohjanmaan Yrittäjät, SILTA hanke, SuperApp Oy, Vaasa Entrepreneurship Society, Vaasa for All ry, Vaasa International Talents, Vaasa Startup Factory, Vaasan yliopisto, VASEK, VEO, Wikström media, Work in Finland, Wasa Future Festival ja Åbo Akademi.
Promoting UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
