Attracting and Retaining Talent: Talendid Koju

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The Talendid Koju ("Bringing Talent Home") program was an initiative launched by the Estonian government to encourage Estonians living abroad to return to Estonia.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The initiative sought to address demographic challenges such as a low birth rate and high emigration by attracting skilled professionals back to Estonia. By leveraging the international experience of these returning talents, the program aspired to boost local businesses and the overall economy. Additionally, it aimed to create a robust network between Estonian companies and expatriates, facilitating job opportunities and fostering future collaborations. Beyond economic goals, the program also endeavors to help Estonians abroad maintain their cultural identity and stay connected with their roots.

How does the program work?

At its core, the initiative offered an online platform that connected Estonians living abroad and looking for a job with employers looking for talented additions to their workforce. Via the platform, Estonians were able to see the most up-to-date job opportunities while not yet back in the country, and employers based in Estonia could find candidates with a more international working experience or background of the labour market. As a result, it was possible for businesses based in Estonia to recruit from abroad and it made it simpler for Estonians based abroad to see the opportunities they could have back in their homeland. 

The key components of the program were: 

1. Database of Expatriates

Creation of a Database: The program established a database of approximately 450 Estonians who live and work abroad. These individuals expressed willingness to collaborate with Estonian companies, either remotely or upon their return to Estonia.

2. Job Market Platform

Online Job Listings: The program's website acted as a job market platform where Estonian companies can post job vacancies, internships, and summer job opportunities for free. This helped to establish connections between these companies and Estonians abroad who were ambitious and seeking opportunities.

3. Encouraging Professional Engagement

Engagement with Exporters: Estonian exporters gained access to Estonians who are studying or working abroad in skilled or professional capacities. This allowed them to leverage the international expertise of these talents for the benefit of the Estonian economy.

4. Support from Prominent Figures

Endorsements: The program received support from notable figures, including former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who emphasized its importance for the nation's future. 

What is the overall cost?

The campaign promoting the Talendid Koju program had a budget of 125,000 euros. Each returning talent costs the state approximately 5,000 euros. The project was co-financed by the European Social Fund.

How was it implemented?

The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry managed the Talendid Koju initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, KLG Eesti AS and Estonian Ari.

The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the Talendid Koju initiative in 2010, with guidance from four young entrepreneurs (RAM4) who wanted to assist their peers when returning to Estonia. 

The program’s website (www.talendidkoju.ee) highlighted in 2011 that it had built a database of approximately 450 Estonians who live and work abroad. The project was completed in 2012. 

The patron of the project was former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves. In support for the initiative, President Ilves said on October 18, 2012: “Negative attitudes and intolerance hinder people's return more than a decline in income or any other bureaucratic obstacle. Our own positive attitudes and willingness to reintegrate these people into society are the basis of everything.”

What impact has been measured?

Within two years, 27 Estonians who have worked abroad have returned to Estonia within the framework of the project. "Given that returning is not easy, this result is good and should encourage the next people to come back," stated team member Artur Elme the closing event of the project.

What lessons can be learned?

Although the program was not aimed specifically at entrepreneurs, many developing nations could benefit from similar programs that target the diaspora of home-grown entrepreneurs who have made their fortunes in the US or other parts of the developing world. 

Notes + Additional Context

This entry is an excerpt from the Nesta's "Digital Entrepreneurship: An ‘Idea Bank’ for Local Policymakers"

CURATED BY

Chris Haley

Head of Research
United Kingdom