The Government of Aragon has launched the «Connecting Aragon with International Talent» initiative, aimed at strengthening the region’s business ecosystem by attracting and retaining qualified talent. Developed by the General Directorate of SMEs and Self-Employed Workers, in collaboration with Mundus, the program is part of a broader effort to promote innovation and sustainable growth among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Aragon.
The launch of the «Connecting Aragon with International Talent» program signifies a significant step in the Government of Aragon’s strategy to stimulate business growth and innovation in the region. The primary objective of this initiative is to attract skilled talent who can contribute to the development of SMEs, a crucial sector for the Aragonese economy.
This initiative is being developed under the Aragon Connects Talent program and the Talent Plan of the Department of Presidency, Economy, and Justice of the Government of Aragon. Ana Sanz, the General Director of SMEs and Self-Employed Workers, has emphasized that this endeavor is essential for attracting the necessary talent to enhance the economic and business development of the community. According to Sanz, «the program helps us in one of the government’s objectives: to attract talent for our economy and our businesses.»
Informative sessions about the program have taken place in the provincial capitals of Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel, where strategies and tools aimed at local entrepreneurs for facilitating international hiring have been introduced. A key element of these sessions has been the presentation of the Erasmus+ program, led by Mundus, which aims to promote international mobility. In 2022, Erasmus+ managed 26,000 projects involving around 73,000 organizations and 1.2 million participants in mobility activities across Europe. Notably, about 1,700 young individuals arrive in Zaragoza each year, representing a significant opportunity for the region to harness this talent.
One of the standout features of the «Connecting Aragon with International Talent» program is the establishment of a free and personalized advisory channel for Aragonese SMEs. This service, available for one year, aims to support companies in their search for and hiring of international talent. The collaboration between the Government of Aragon and Mundus is fundamental in providing SMEs with the necessary resources and guidance to connect with qualified professionals from around the world.
The expected impact of this program not only relates to talent attraction but also aims to create a favorable environment that encourages the settlement of young professionals in the region. Sanz has expressed hope that young individuals participating in international programs will be able to experience the culture and quality of life in Aragon, considering making the region their professional home.
Furthermore, the «Connecting Aragon with International Talent» program is situated within a larger context that seeks to foster entrepreneurship, particularly in innovative and digital sectors. This initiative aligns with the Government of Aragon’s vision of promoting growth and consolidation of SMEs through knowledge transfer while attracting and retaining talent that contributes to economic development. This approach aims not only to improve regional competitiveness but also to position Aragon as an attractive destination for professional development.
The success of this initiative will depend on its ability to effectively implement the proposed strategies and foster collaboration among the various economic actors in the region. Active participation of SMEs in the program will be crucial to ensure that the opportunities presented by international mobility and talent attraction are fully leveraged.
In summary, the «Connecting Aragon with International Talent» program presents a valuable opportunity for the region’s SMEs. With the collaboration of Mundus and the support of the Erasmus+ program, Aragon is positioning itself as a leader in attracting global talent. The expectation is that this strategy will not only contribute to the economic growth of the community but also generate a dynamic and competitive environment capable of retaining young professionals who choose to make Aragon their home. As implementation plans progress, the Aragonese community remains hopeful that this program will mark a transformative moment in its efforts to strengthen its business landscape.
Source: goaragon.es
