Talents and the city

Forlì for Talents is the new initiative promoted by the Municipality of Forlì to attract and retain international professionals, students, and researchers. The programme aims to make the city a competitive and welcoming destination by offering tailored services, fostering integration, and creating strong connections between talents, companies, and institutions.

We spoke with the Forlì for Talents team to learn more about their vision and activities. Here is the interview!

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

We are developing partnerships with both public and private offices to build a network of services that support not only the arrival but also the long-term integration of talents in Forlì. A working table has been created, bringing together local trade associations, institutions, and organizations to draft a strategic communication plan for talent attraction.

Together with the working table and individual companies, we are collecting proposals to improve public services and infrastructures. Forlì already offers a high quality of life, but we are planning more targeted initiatives to ensure that talents choose our city as a long-term destination.

Which kind of services do you offer to talents?

We provide assistance with house hunting, residence permit applications, tax code requests, registration with the municipal anagrafe office, SPID registration, ID card appointments, and job search support.

We also offer information on local events and leisure opportunities. An information desk has been opened at the University Campus to reach more students, supporting them in their needs and assisting the University in welcoming its international community.

In addition, we organize events to help talents integrate into life in Forlì: meeting other talents and locals, discovering the city, improving their Italian, and learning new skills.

Do you offer support to the families of international professionals?

Yes. We assist families by providing information on local schools, cultural initiatives, and opportunities for recreational and sporting activities for both adults and children. We also support them with administrative and bureaucratic needs.

What are the main resources or tools you use?

We mainly use Instagram and WhatsApp to communicate. We also have a Facebook page and we are currently enhancing both our website and LinkedIn page to strengthen our outreach.

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

We work closely with local institutions by aligning projects, making them more effective, and creating a local network dedicated to talents.

We also reach out directly to companies to understand their vacancies, hiring challenges, and best practices. This knowledge allows us to co-design solutions with them and with the working table.

Looking ahead, we are planning workshops to support talents in job search and a dedicated “Talent Fair” to connect talents with companies and innovation centres in Forlì.