Ferrara Talent Playground is the new talent attraction and retention initiative promoted by the Municipality of Ferrara. It aims to make the city an appealing destination for international professionals, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs by offering tailored support and connecting them with local opportunities. Through strong collaboration with companies, institutions, and the community, Ferrara Talent Playground helps talents build meaningful life and career paths in Ferrara.

We spoke with the Ferrara Talent Playground team to learn more about the programme. Here is the interview!

What strategies or programmes are you implementing to attract and retain talent?

Ferrara Talent Playground is a city-wide programme designed to make Ferrara an attractive place for highly skilled professionals to settle and grow. Our strategy focuses on three main pillars: personalized welcome services, active involvement in city life, and strong partnerships with businesses and institutions.

We don’t simply showcase Ferrara’s opportunities — we create structured pathways for talents to engage with local companies, access cultural and professional networks, and co-design the city’s future through workshops and events. All activities are coordinated and hosted at the Laboratorio Aperto of Ferrara, a public innovation hub that connects talents, companies, and local stakeholders. Our approach is participatory: talents are not passive recipients but active contributors to the city’s development.

Which kind of services do you offer to talents (e.g. housing searching support, administrative-bureaucratic support, transport discounts, info on leisure, cultural integration)?

At the Laboratorio Aperto of Ferrara we run a Talent Desk offering a comprehensive package of services that goes beyond professional placement. We provide personalized orientation and connections to local networks, helping talents navigate housing opportunities, bureaucratic procedures, and essential services.

While we don’t directly manage these processes, we act as facilitators, guiding talents to the right contacts, institutions, and service providers. Moreover, talents receive a Talent Passport, granting them benefits such as public transport discounts, reduced rates for cultural events, and access to a vibrant community of professionals and innovators. Our goal is to ensure a “soft landing” — easing practical aspects of relocation while fostering immediate integration into Ferrara’s social and professional life.

Do you offer support to the families of international professionals (schools, settlement programmes, employment for partners, etc.)?

Yes. We recognize that many talents relocate with their families, and supporting the whole family is essential for long-term retention. Through the dedicated offices managed by the Municipality, we provide guidance on local schools, healthcare services, and family-friendly activities. We also promote employment opportunities for partners through our network of local companies and professional associations, supporting their integration into Ferrara’s economic and social life.

What are the main resources or tools you use? (Website, LinkedIn page, IG page, ...)

Our main platform is the Ferrara Talent Playground website, the primary entry point for discovering opportunities, services, and upcoming events. The website is designed to be clear and engaging, offering direct access to useful contacts and service providers.

We also use the Laboratorio Aperto LinkedIn page to share professional news and opportunities, and Instagram to showcase both our projects and Ferrara’s cultural vibe, lifestyle, and success stories of international talents. Additionally, newsletters and targeted outreach campaigns help us keep talents and companies updated and connected.

How do you collaborate with local institutions (universities, innovation centres, companies) to facilitate the matching of trainees and professionals?

Collaboration is at the heart of Ferrara Talent Playground. From the Laboratorio Aperto, we coordinate partnerships with the University of Ferrara, ART-ER, the Innovation Hub, and local business networks. Together we organize events such as Career Days, Talent Forums, and specialized programmes like Ferrara Calling (for international talents) and Ferrara 100 (for national talents).

These initiatives provide real opportunities for companies to meet and engage with young professionals. Furthermore, we work closely with local enterprises to align their skill needs with training programmes and internship pathways, ensuring meaningful and long-term matches between talents and employers.