Written by Tiska Ikking
This end of May, key representatives from the four Harnessing Talent Platform (HTP) working groups gathered in Brussels, Belgium for a high-level in-person meeting to close the program cycle. Lisa Wetzlmair-Kephart has been an active online contributor to the Health Working Group from November 2023 onwards. Lisa and Anu Söderström attended previous in-person meetings in November 2023 and November 2024 and so did Tiska Ikking in November 2025.
November 2023 meeting:
During the first HTP Health Working Group meeting in November 2023, members identified three priority sub-topics for the mandate and agreed on the organisation and governance model of the group. The session also focused on networking and establishing the working structure for activities running until May 2026.
November 2024 meeting:
At the November 2024 meeting, members reviewed progress made over the first year, refined the sub-topics based on new evidence, and aligned next steps for 2025. The group also exchanged updated practices and coordinated contributions to upcoming HTP outputs and recommendations.
November 2025 meeting:
At the November 2025 meeting, members discussed talent attraction and retention through better services, digital innovation, and regional skills development. The group also exchanged good practices, explored the self-assessment tool for regional talent readiness, and coordinated future actions and recommendations for allied-health care professions within upcoming HTP outputs.
May 2026 meeting:
Building on the discussions and outcomes of the last in-person meeting of the Harnessing Talent Platform, the event summarised the collaborative work around talent retention, workforce development, and regional resilience. The agenda highlighted the importance of multi-level governance, cross-sector cooperation, and innovative policy approaches to address demographic challenges and labour shortages affecting many European regions.
The day opened with contributions from representatives of the European Commission, including Hugo Sobral, Deputy Director-General of DG REGIO, followed by high-level discussions on cohesion policy and the future of regional prosperity. Speakers from the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, and academia shared perspectives on how European regions could remain competitive while safeguarding quality of life for citizens.
An important part of the program focused on experiences from Talent Booster Mechanism regions. Representatives from Portugal, Poland, Romania, and Spain presented regional strategies and practical approaches aimed at strengthening competitiveness and responding to demographic change. These discussions further contributed to the exchange of good practices and peer learning among participating regions.
The afternoon sessions explored the role of multi-level governance in supporting regional attractiveness, with contributions from the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) and national governments. Discussions addressed how coordinated governance, investment in skills, and strong public services could help regions attract and retain talent.
COTEC was represented at the event by Tiska Ikking, who participated in the discussions on behalf of the occupational therapy profession. For COTEC and Occupational Therapists, the continued development of the Harnessing Talent Platform remained highly relevant. The discussions closely connected to ongoing efforts within the HTP Health Working Group, where only COTEC was there to represent allied health professions and advocated for improved workforce planning, retention strategies, mobility opportunities, and sustainable working conditions across Europe. Tiska used the occasion to further advocate for the important role of Occupational Therapists in strengthening regional resilience, supporting participation in work and daily life, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable healthcare systems. The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the contribution of Occupational Therapy to tackling demographic challenges, particularly in ageing regions and areas experiencing healthcare workforce shortages.
It was also confirmed that this program cycle has ended now. Beyond this period, the Harnessing Talent Platform will remain active through webinars, newsletters, and continued knowledge exchange activities to support collaboration and the sharing of good practices between European regions.
