Newsletter #10 - Cross-border Talent Bridge

Following a month of strong cross-border collaboration and dialogue, this edition shows how initiatives across the Greater Copenhagen region are moving from ideas into action.

In this issue, we highlight key moments from Almedalen and Folkemødet, partner engagement at Copenhagen City Hall, recognition of the Kick-Start Career Program, and recent media coverage on international talent and labour market integration.

Together, these stories reflect growing momentum in strengthening cross-border collaboration, improving talent mobility, and connecting international skills with employer needs in life science and tech across the region.

Looking forward to reconnecting and continuing the journey together across the Greater Copenhagen region in September.

Wishing you a great summer and a well-deserved break! 
/ Viktoria & Martina

25 June - Almedalsveckan Panel: The Battle for Talent 📢

At Almedalsveckan, City of Lund / Cross-border Talent Bridge hosts a panel discussion on how Sweden and Denmark can strengthen collaboration to build a more attractive, inclusive, and competitive labour market across the Greater Copenhagen region.

• How can the Öresund region become a stronger destination for global talent?
• What barriers are preventing talent from moving, working, and staying across borders?
• How can collaboration between municipalities, regions, industry, and national policy be strengthened?
• How do we better align talent supply with business needs in life science and tech?

The panel is moderated by Ideon Science Park and brings together a high-level group of representatives from City of Lund, Hæger & Carlsson Executive Search AB, Greater Copenhagen, Medicon Village Innovation, and Bosch R&D Center Lund.

 📍  Skånes Innovationsarena, Hamnplan (Site 200)
25 June, 11:00–11:45: “Kampen om kompetensen"

👉 Check out the details

Partners and Associated Partners Gathered at Copenhagen City Hall

Cross-border Talent Bridge recently brought together project partners and associated partners at Copenhagen City Hall for our latest partner meeting.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on progress to date, share updates on upcoming activities across the project’s work packages, and discuss priorities and collaboration opportunities for autumn 2026 and spring 2027.

A particular strength of the day was the participation of both partners and associated partners. Bringing together stakeholders from across the Greater Copenhagen region created valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives, identify common challenges, and explore new ways of working together to attract and retain international talent.

Beyond the agenda itself, the meeting highlighted one of the project's core strengths: creating spaces where people can connect, share experiences, learn from one another, and build new collaborations. These exchanges are essential to developing sustainable solutions that strengthen the region as a connected labour market and enhance its attractiveness to international talent.

As the project continues, the partnership remains committed to working across borders to address skills shortages, support talent mobility, and strengthen the Greater Copenhagen region’s global appeal as a place to work, study, and build a future.

A sincere thank you to Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak for the co-funding that makes this collaboration possible, and to all partners and associated partners for your continued engagement and contribution.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to our partner, the City of Copenhagen, for hosting the meeting at the beautiful Copenhagen City Hall and for sharing the tradition of the famous Rådhuspandekager – a local delicacy served on special occasions for more than a century.

👉 Learn more and view photos from our gathering

Kick-Start Career Program Recognised as a Best Practice 

We are proud to share that the Kick-Start Career Program, led by International Citizen Hub Lund / City of Lund, was featured as a best practice initiative at the Greater Copenhagen Summit in Malmö on 29 May.

The program was showcased in the summit’s Inspiration Arena, highlighting successful initiatives from across the Greater Copenhagen region that strengthen cross-border collaboration and address shared labour market challenges.

Since 2016, Kick-Start has supported spouses and partners of international employees recruited to Skåne in building networks and entering the labour market. With co-funding from Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak and Cross-border Talent Bridge, it has also expanded to include international master’s students on their pathway into careers in the region.

Through expert-led sessions, participants gain practical insights into the Swedish and Danish labour markets, while also building confidence, understanding workplace culture, and expanding their professional networks.

At the same time, Kick-Start contributes to one of the key ambitions of Cross-border Talent Bridge: strengthening talent retention and making it easier for international talent to build a future in the region. By supporting highly skilled individuals in establishing themselves professionally, the programme also helps employers access the skills they need, while contributing to a more connected and attractive Greater Copenhagen region.

👉 Watch the best practice film here

Strong Start for International Citizen Day Lund

International Citizen Hub Lund proudly hosted the very first International Citizen Day Lund, bringing together the international community in the Greater Copenhagen region for a day filled with conversations, inspiration, and exchange.

The event created a vibrant meeting point for internationals, partners, and exhibitors to explore opportunities, networks, and everyday life in the region. The strong engagement in the room reflected both the diversity of the community and the shared interest in building a life and career in Greater Copenhagen.

A special highlight of the day was Café Curious, co-arranged with Social Hub Lund, which created a welcoming space for informal conversations, new connections, and exchange of experiences.

We are deeply grateful to all visitors and exhibitors who made the first edition of International Citizen Day Lund such a success. Your participation and energy are what bring these initiatives to life and strengthen the sense of community in the region.

👉 Great vibes at the first International Citizen Day Lund - check out more photos