Talents and the city

Rimini4Talent is the program promoted by the Municipality of Rimini to attract and retain international professionals, students, and researchers interested in living, studying, and working in the city. The initiative follows a comprehensive and dynamic approach: from promoting the local context and its opportunities, to welcoming Italian and international talents into the community, and supporting their long-term engagement and professional growth.

We spoke with the Rimini4Talent team to learn more about their vision and ongoing activities. Here is the interview!

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

As part of a broader strategy to promote innovation and competitiveness in the region, the Rimini4Talent project aims to improve access to support services for highly skilled professionals who are arriving or intend to settle in the Province of Rimini, offering them a smoother integration process and a more effective welcome. Through a dedicated website and close collaboration with local institutions and businesses, the project aims to simplify the transfer and settlement process, helping professionals and their families to integrate smoothly into the community. This approach aims to increase the attractiveness of the Rimini area and local businesses, fostering a more direct relationship between companies and talent and encouraging the involvement of “new Rimini residents” in the city's cultural and social activities, thus contributing to their sense of belonging and the full integration of international talent. Our commitment is divided into several strategic actions designed to attract new professionals and support their journey into the local community. These include an information service to facilitate the stay of new recruits – both Italian and foreign – and their families, as well as events and initiatives that bring local employers into contact with potential candidates, particularly in Rimini's strategic sectors, promoting local opportunities and services.

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

The Talent Desk, opened two days a week, is a point of reference dedicated to offering guidance and assistance on a range of fundamental aspects to facilitate the transfer and integration of incoming talent. Through this service, we provide clear information and personalised support so that those who choose Rimini can feel welcomed, informed and accompanied at every stage of the process. The desk is available in Italian and English and offers: guidance on public key services, such as transport, healthcare, education and cultural initiatives; support and advice through the use of databases on the world of work; information and support regarding residence permits and local administrative procedures, facilitating direct contact with the relevant offices.

Do you offer support to the families of international professionals? 

The steady increase in the number of people wishing to move to Rimini demonstrates how welcoming and attractive this area is. Rimini stands out for its high quality of life and the area's rare ability to work together: institutions, businesses, culture and innovation interact with each other, making the city even more attractive thanks to the presence of an international university campus that attracts talent from all over the world. The Rimini4Talent project also offers dedicated support to the families of international professionals through the Talent Desk, providing assistance and useful information on various aspects related to relocation. Among the main services offered: information on educational services, such as guidance on enrolling children in nursery, kindergarten and primary school, together with information on school transport and canteen services; information on access to healthcare, including support in identifying and accessing local healthcare services such as hospitals, clinics, general practitioners and paediatricians; information on administrative support and which offices are responsible for various procedures. In addition, families can find a wide range of additional resources on our website to help them find their way around their new environment.

What are the main resources or tools you use? 

Currently, our main resource is the Talent Desk. Through this service, we offer a comprehensive overview of the opportunities offered by the Rimini4Talent project, providing information on key topics such as healthcare, education, employment and cultural activities. For the future, we are planning to create dedicated newsletters to share updates, promote available services and strengthen ties with the international talent community.

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

We work closely with universities, trade associations, businesses and professional networks in order to create strong links between talent and the job market. We organise individual meetings with companies to identify the most sought-after profiles, the skills required and any difficulties encountered in the recruitment process. These discussions enable us to align our training and support services with the real needs of the market. In addition, we promote and participate in networking events that bring together students, recent graduates, professionals and local companies. Finally, an annual local forum brings together representatives from the business world and institutions, creating an opportunity for dialogue and sharing to strengthen collaboration between the education and production systems.