At a recent event organized by Invest Moldova Agency, international expert Morten King-Grubert, Partner at Future Place Leadership, visited Moldova to present innovative solutions and European best practices for attracting international talent. The event marked the culmination of two years of collaboration between Future Place Leadership and Invest Moldova Agency, supported by a grant from the Swedish Institute aimed at fostering this visionary initiative.

Irina Tolstousov, Deputy Director of Invest Moldova Agency, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "The topic of attracting talent is becoming essential for Moldova's economic development, having a direct impact on attracting foreign investments, promoting exports, and enhancing the country's image. Moldova must be presented as a destination for education, work, and living, and these efforts need to be consolidated into a strategic initiative that will bring together both government actors and the business community."

Moldova holds a competitive advantage in fields such as medicine and technology, with the "Nicolae Testemițanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy serving as a compelling example of this potential. For over 30 years, USMF has been attracting international students and currently hosts more than 2,000 students from around the world.

"We have internationally recognized medical education, and direct access to clinical practice is a unique advantage that few countries offer. In 2018, USMF obtained its first accreditation from California, allowing students from this state to study with us. This year, we are set to renew and approve this accreditation, enabling us to welcome students from California once again. Additionally, we offer international programs, such as the International Dental Program, which allows graduates to pursue residency in the United States," stated Igor Cemortan, Head of the Department of Recruitment and Documentation of Foreign Citizens at USMF.

In this context, USMF is broadening its horizons by exploring new markets and promising opportunities:

  • Attracting Students Globally: USMF already enrolls students from India and Israel, and starting this year, it has expanded to Tunisia and Morocco. Active discussions with representatives from Australia highlight a significant opportunity, as the growing demand for medical professionals in Australia, coupled with a local shortage, positions Moldova as a viable solution for training specialists in the field.
  • Multilingual Education: The university showcases its adaptability by offering courses in French and English, meeting global market demands and diversifying its educational offerings.
  • Strategic Partnerships: USMF is considering a strategic partnership with the medical tourism association, a sector that can significantly contribute to economic development and position Moldova as a destination for high-quality medical services.

Morten highlighted the importance of an integrated ecosystem for attracting talent:
"Attracting professionals requires simplified administrative processes, an appealing living environment, and a balance between career and personal life."

The success models of Estonia and Lithuania demonstrate that digitalization and creating a supportive environment for professionals and their families are essential steps. Moldova can adapt these solutions to its own context, focusing on niche industries and strengthening its unique advantages.