Human Capital in Focus: Workshop on International Talent Attraction and Retention

On Thursday, 20th March, Leiden International Centre organised an interactive workshop on the theme of Human Capital. The workshop was part of Leiden&Partners' annual partner event, Leidsche Plein, which this year featured four different breakout sessions to discuss important themes for the city of Leiden and the surrounding region. We took this opportunity to explore the topic of international talent attraction and retention in Leiden and Zuid-Holland. 

How Did It Go? 

We were delighted to welcome a diverse audience, all engaged in different aspects of the international community. Among our attendees were employees from other international centres, local companies and institutions, municipal representatives, recruiters, service providers, and internationals themselves. Bringing together individuals from such varied backgrounds was a key objective for us. Our goal was to create a dialogue that included multiple perspectives and facilitated connections between stakeholders who might not otherwise have the chance to meet. 

Key Presentations 

The session began with two insightful presentations from Netherlands Point of Entry and our own centre. Homeyra Abrishamkar from Netherlands Point of Entry introduced the audience to her team’s efforts in attracting international talent to the Netherlands. She provided an overview of the Talent Coalition and the International Talent Advisory Group, explaining their focus and key participants. Additionally, she introduced two important platforms developed by her team in collaboration with the Talent Coalition and the network of international centres in the Netherlands: the Welcome to NL job board and the Relocation App. These platforms are designed to attract and support international talent in their move to the country. 

Following this, our manager, Jenny Willcock, presented the latest trends in internationalisation. She highlighted a recent decline in incoming internationals but emphasised the expansion of our support services and contact moments. Jenny also underscored how our services extend beyond relocation assistance, as we strive to enhance integration and provide ongoing support to international residents – including long-term ones. 

Breakout Discussions 

After the presentations, we moved into four breakout discussions, with two groups focusing on talent attraction and two on talent retention. Several key insights emerged from these discussions. 

Talent Attraction 

Participants highlighted the importance of proactively engaging with international talent and strengthening the region’s profile. A key suggestion was to better promote the Leiden Bio Science Park at local, national, and international levels. On a national scale, attendees emphasised the need for broader collaboration. Given the Netherlands' small geographical size and efficient transport links, commuting between cities is far easier than in many other countries from which our international community originates – such as India, the US, China, and even European countries like Italy. 

One significant obstacle to talent attraction identified was the current housing crisis. Expanding collaborations between organisations and municipalities may help address this challenge.  

Talent Retention 

The discussions on talent retention also touched on the housing crisis but from a different angle. If internationals are already residing in the Netherlands, housing becomes less of a barrier compared to attracting new talent. One key factor in retention was identified as spouse support. Ensuring that both partners have stable employment significantly increases the likelihood of a family settling permanently in the region, particularly for those with children. Conversely, if one partner is unable to find work, it becomes more difficult for the family to remain, given the high cost of living. 

Another crucial aspect of talent retention is social cohesion. This is why our centre actively organises social events and initiatives to foster integration. However, one of the biggest challenges in retention is the Dutch language barrier. While English is widely used in many workplaces, proficiency in Dutch offers a clear career advantage as well as many social benefits. Encouraging Dutch language learning and supporting international students and newcomers in their language journey is therefore essential. 

Looking Ahead 

The insights gained from these discussions are invaluable for shaping our strategy, and we hope they have also sparked new ideas and potential collaborations among attendees. 

Were you unable to join but still want to contribute? Below, you will find the questions discussed at the different tables. We would love to hear your thoughts! 

Talent attraction 

1. How does international talent discover opportunities in the Leiden region and South Holland? What strategies can we use to improve visibility and outreach?   

2. How does the Leiden region compare to other regions in attracting international talent? What lessons can we learn from other cities/regions?  

3. To what extent does the profile of Leiden and the South Holland region influence international talent attraction? What concrete steps can be taken to strengthen this profile?  

4. What are the biggest obstacles to attracting top talent in the region? How can businesses, governments, and institutions work together to overcome them?  

Talent retention 

1. What key factors contribute to international talent choosing to stay in the region long-term? How can these factors be influenced to improve retention?  

2. How can the Leiden region improve its ability to retain international talent? What strategies have been successful, and where is there room for improvement?  

3. What are the biggest challenges to retaining international talent, and how can they be addressed effectively?  

4. Is there sufficient collaboration among employers, universities, government institutions and other organisations to support talent retention? Where are the biggest opportunities for strengthening partnerships?