Talents and the city

Talenti@MO is the initiative led by the Municipality of Modena designed to attract, welcome, and integrate international talent into the local community. The project combines practical support with community-building, cultural integration, and innovation-driven activities to make Modena an increasingly attractive destination for talents.

We spoke with the team behind Talenti@MO to learn more about the programme, the services it offers, and how it is helping skilled individuals and their families settle into life in the city.

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

Talenti@MO is an initiative by the Municipality of Modena aimed at attracting and supporting highly specialized professionals considering relocation to the city.

In collaboration with Laboratorio aperto of Modena, several initiatives have been planned that focus on enhancing the appeal of Modena by promoting local competencies and technologies, facilitating direct connections between businesses and highly specialized young professionals, and fostering a dynamic ecosystem that encourages innovation. Key strategies include organizing hackathons to develop innovative solutions, creating a talent network through community events and digital platforms, offering STEAM-Coding workshops to develop digital skills, and arranging site visits to local companies to showcase career opportunities.

In addition to previously mentioned strategies, Talenti@MO has established a dedicated help desk to assist talents with all necessary procedures, facilitating access to basic services and the acquisition of required documentation for moving to and living in Modena. The help desk is located at Piazza Grande 17, 41121 Modena, and operates during the following hours:​ 

• Tuesday: 9:00 am-1:00 pm​
• Thursday: 2:00 pm-6:00 pm​
• Saturday: 10:00 am-1:00 pm​ 

Which kind of services do you offer to talents?

Talenti@MO offers a suite of services designed to facilitate the relocation and integration of talents in Modena.

• Administrative support: assistance with essential documentation and bureaucratic procedures necessary for settling in the city. For instance, this includes, guidance on obtaining the required documents for living in Italy, in case you were moving from abroad, establishing residency in Modena, enrolling in the national healthcare system, opening a bank account, or simply renewing personal documents.
• Cultural integration: insights into local culture, leisure activities, and events to help newcomers immerse themselves in the community. Modena offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, including festivals, art exhibitions, concerts, and more, providing ample opportunities for engagement and socialization.
• Community engagement: Opportunities to participate in local associations and volunteer work, fostering connections within the community and promoting a sense of belonging.

Do you offer support to the families of international professionals?

Talenti@MO extends its support to accompanying partners and family members, ensuring a smooth transition for the entire family. This includes providing information on educational institutions for children and offering guidance on job search strategies within the area.

Additionally, recognizing the importance of language in integration, Talenti@MO facilitates access to free Italian language courses, enabling newcomers to communicate effectively and feel more at home in their new environment.

What are the main resources or tools you use?

In parallel with the official website and the physical desk, Talenti@MO has launched a collaboration with SPOT Modena, a well-known local social magazine, to promote the project, the desk and all organised activities via Instagram stories and video reels. 

Moreover, in collaboration with Laboratorio Aperto, a WhatsApp group and potentially an Instagram page will be established. These platforms aim to create a virtual space where talents can interact, share knowledge and experiences, collaborate on projects, and support each other.

How do you collaborate with local institutions to facilitate the matching of trainees and professionals?

Talenti@MO actively collaborates with local institutions – including innovation centres and companies – to establish direct connections between businesses and highly specialized young professionals. The Municipality of Modena's various departments are committed to assisting talents by addressing a wide range of challenges and inquiries encountered during their relocation and integration process. These departments support talents by organizing dedicated events and providing essential documents and information to facilitate their settlement in Modena.