PPMI | Part of the Verian Group has completed a comprehensive study assessing how Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia can better address talent shortages in three high-value sectors: information and communication technologies, life sciences, and cleantech and green energy.
Conducted in support of the Digital Explorers II initiative implemented by OSMOS, the project combined a detailed Gap Analysis with a forward-looking Feasibility Study to explore how the Baltic states could engage more strategically in EU Talent Partnerships to attract foreign professionals.
The Gap Analysis research confirms that demand for highly skilled professionals significantly exceeds domestic supply across all three countries. In ICT, Baltic companies post substantially more vacancies per specialist than the cross-sectoral average, with particularly acute shortages in software development, AI, data science and cybersecurity. In life sciences, rapidly expanding biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries face niche gaps in genomics, bioinformatics and regulatory expertise. Meanwhile, the accelerating green transition has increased demand for engineers and technicians in renewable energy and environmental technologies.
Building on these findings, the Feasibility Study analysed the talent landscapes of selected non-EU partner countries and evaluated their readiness for cooperation under EU Talent Partnerships. Countries were categorised according to sectoral alignment, workforce size and institutional capacity. The study also reviewed existing EU-funded mobility schemes to extract lessons on design features such as pre-departure training, employer engagement, circularity and reintegration support.
The project culminated in a set of tailored scenarios for Baltic involvement in Talent Partnerships, including:
- expansion of ICT mobility models such as Digital Explorers
- remote-to-mobility pathways for experienced tech professionals
- circular research fellowships in life sciences
- train-to-hire schemes for green energy technicians
- business partnership models to strengthen international market access
Overall, the study provides actionable, evidence-based recommendations to Baltic governments and stakeholders on how to strengthen talent attraction, enhance international visibility and develop sustainable mobility partnerships that deliver mutual benefits for the Baltics and partner countries.
