Future Ready Slovakia: Let’s Talk Competitiveness!

Thursday, May 22, 2025 From 14:00 to 16:00

Jurkovičova Tepláreň (Conference Hall), Bottova 1, Bratislava

Talent Retention & Workforce Attraction

SPONSORED BY:

Harnessing Foreign Talent: Slovakia's Path within Labor Market Transformation

Slovakia faces a crucial challenge: ensuring a strong, competitive workforce amid demographic shifts and evolving economic conditions. During this session experts will discuss what steps are necessary to create an inclusive and future-ready labor market and what is already being done in this domain at national and municipal level.

The proportion of Slovak citizens in productive age is expected to decrease by 21.000 by 2030. Slovak companies are the most affected by brain-drain in the region and the least convinced of the country’s ability to attract international talent, limiting their ability to innovate. Despite recent legislative changes, the employers including universities are struggling to bring in foreign talent fast enough to fill their needs. On the other hand, the international talent pool in Slovakia has increased, mostly due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet its potential remains underutilised.

With an aging population and lack of skilled workers, tapping into foreign workforce can support economic growth. Nevertheless, vision and effective cooperation between actors is essential to ensure that foreign workers can contribute positively to the economy and society.

CONCLUDING REMARKS