An annual index, ranking countries and cities on their ability to grow talent, has placed both Melbourne and Australia in the top tier.
When it comes to attracting global talent, Australia makes the top 10 and Melbourne is Australia's second most competitive city, according to the latest 2020 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GCTI).
The index ranks locations on their ability to grow, attract and retain international talent. This year Australia ranks 10th, rising from 12th in 2019. Switzerland holds first place. Melbourne is the fifth most competitive city for global talent in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2020 GCTI focuses on global talent in the age of artificial intelligence. Cities that dominate the top rankings demonstrate a future readiness to undertake activities in fields such as AI and advanced technologies. The report notes that AI talent is scarce, and cities are striving to become AI hubs and attract relevant talent.
The index also more broadly identifies talent competitiveness in other areas including innovation and leadership, such as availability of academic researchers, scientists and engineers.
The Victorian Government provides visa nomination to select migrants with skills and qualifications in areas of demand, including ICT occupations as well as health, engineering and construction and other key sectors.
Melody Menezes is a skilled migrant who moved to Melbourne from Canada. After completing her PhD in Genetic Counselling at the University of Melbourne, Melody wanted to call Melbourne home. She was successful in applying for a Victorian visa nomination under Victoria's Skilled and Business Migration Program.
"Melbourne is at the forefront in genetic counselling and here we have great work/life balance," Melody said.
"We just love the café culture of Melbourne and the outdoors lifestyle where we can go out all year-round and take our son to the park."
Developed by INSEAD in partnership with the Adecco Group and Google, the index provides a tool for governments, cities, businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help design their talent strategies, overcome talent mismatches and be competitive in the global marketplace.
