On 25 February, the Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg-Kirchberg will host the 10th Economy Day organised by PwC Luxembourg

The 10th edition of the global competitiveness index and talents recently unveiled by the international business school Insead, Adecco group and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI) confirms the strong correlation between the movement of talent and economic prosperity; this means that in the future states will have to rely on international mobility to avoid skills gaps and develop creative talents. 

A global “talent clash” takes shape, in which countries multiply their strategies to attract and retain skilled and smart workers and to ensure their competitiveness and growth. The 2016 edition of the Journée de l’Economie is the chance for Luxembourg stakeholders to understand the international and local challenges related to talent. Over the years, this national conference organised by the Ministry of Economy, the Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg and FEDIL - Business Federation Luxembourg, in collaboration with PwC Luxembourg, has become the cornerstone of economic forecasts for the Grand Duchy.

After the introductory remarks of John Parkhouse, CEO of PwC Luxembourg, and of Carlo Thelen, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, the first discussion will focus on the University of Luxembourg and its role. The presence of a high education and research centre contributes to the development of skills and innovation within a territory and thus increases its international attractiveness. It also plays a key role in merging knowledge and expertise. What’s in it for the Grand Duchy? Professor Dr. Rainer Klump, President of the University of Luxembourg, will present the actions set up for his institution to play an influential role in this universal talent search.

For several years now, the corporate-like idea of a brand associated to a territory or country to enhance its recognition at international level has made its way in government strategies. The second talk of the morning session will give the chance to Sasha Baillie, Chair of the Luxembourg Nation Branding Committee, to present the actions taken by the Grand Duchy to put in place its strategy of international outreach and attractiveness.

In the second part of the morning, the participants will meet in three thematic committees:

- Is Luxembourg ready for talents? Michel Roumieux, partner at PwC Luxembourg and Valerie Massin, Human Resources Coordinator at ArcelorMittal will share their experience on this matter,

- Building talents for digital transformation, where Christian Scharff , partner and People & Organisation Leader at PwC Luxembourg, and Nico Binsfeld, CEO of House of Training, will demystify this topic,

- Developing initiatives towards economic migrations in Luxembourg, a debate moderated by Bénédicte Burioni, partner People & Organisation at PwC Luxembourg, and Michel Beine, Professor of Economics at the University of Luxembourg.

Retain talents, secure future growth

The second half of the day will begin with Stephanie Damgé, director of the Jonk Entrepreneuren association, who will talk about the entrepreneurship wave in Luxembourg and the future prospects in this area for young people. Professor Paul Evans, academic director of the Global Competitiveness and Talents Index at Insead will then explain how to attract talent today and retain it for tomorrow. 

Jonathan Chaloff, political analyst of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will take the discussions even further and shed light on the movement of talent due to migration flows. He will also highlight the importance of capturing and integrating highly qualified foreigners.

The last panel of this second part of the Journée de l’Economie will bring stakeholders together to debate the best solutions to attract, retain and develop talent.
Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg and Minister for the Economy, will point out the main takeaways and close the day.

The presentations will be in English and translated into French. To follow the Journée de l’Economie and participate in discussions, use @JEcolux and #Jelux.

Cost €70 (to be donated to Nyuko). To register and for the detailed agenda, see www.jecolux.lu.