At our recent INAC EMEA Annual Regional Meeting, I couldn’t help but reflect on a topic that has become an increasingly pressing concern for me as a headhunter: the talent shortage. Europe faces significant skill shortages across various sectors, including healthcare, ICT, and construction, where job vacancy rates have reached record highs (2.9% in 2022), exacerbated by demographic changes and the demands of the green and digital transitions (source:  European Commission).

As companies across the continent struggle to find the right talent, automation is reshaping the landscape. How can Europe stay ahead? The solution isn’t solely in machines or technology. The real game-changer lies in how we integrate talent with innovations like automation to propel the future forward.

As headhunters, we see firsthand how the job market is changing.  Companies need talent more than ever, but that talent isn’t always available locally.  Key sectors like technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing require specialized skills that are sadly not always found in Europe.  So, as automation advances and machines begin to take over repetitive tasks, the value of talent isn’t just essential, it is being redefined.

At first glance, automation seemed like something distant, a tool that would replace jobs and eliminate the need for people.  However, when we look closer, we realize it is the opposite.  Technologies like AI and automation can make jobs more efficient, freeing up people from routine tasks and allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative work.  The reason is that machines don’t replace people, they complement them, and this is where talent comes in.

To remain competitive, we need to create an environment where talent excels alongside technology.  And that means more than just offering attractive salaries and benefits & perks.  The key is creating real growth opportunities, fostering innovation, and, most importantly, making people feel that they are contributing to something meaningful.  Companies must give their teams the space to develop ideas and lead change, while working with technologies that enhance their capabilities.

This brings me to a crucial point that MARISA PONCELA GARCIA highlighted during her Quo Vadis Europe talk at our recent meeting.  She reminded us that, for Europe to remain a global leader, it must invest more than ever in continuous education.  The industries of tomorrow will require new and advanced skills, and only through continuous education and skill development can we be ready for what’s to come.

But it is not just about retaining local talent; Europe needs to attract global talent.  We cannot just wait for the best professionals to come to us, we need to go to them.  European companies must be much more open and active in promoting what makes the continent unique (i.e. unmatched quality of life, innovative ecosystem, diversity and inclusion, among others).  If Europe wants to stay at the forefront, it needs to be a magnet for the best talent in the world.

What has impacted me most recently, especially after listening to MARISA PONCELA GARCIA, is the urgency of taking action.  It is not just about attracting talent, but ensuring that the current and future workforce has the key tools to adapt and evolve with new technologies.  And this isn`t something that happens overnight.  It is a process that requires time, investment, and a shift in mindset from both companies and governments.

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Victoria Baselga, Partner Magallanes Consultores (INAC Spain)

With over 25 years of expertise in Executive Search and Human Resources advisory. Since founding the firm in 1993, she has collaborated with leading multinational and national companies in Consumer Goods, Food & Beverage, Industrial, Pharmaceutical, Technology, and Services, delivering tailored solutions to identify and secure top executive talent aligned with strategic objectives.

Co-creator of INAC Global in 1997, ensuring global talent coverage. With a Master’s in Human Resources, a Board Member Certification, and participation in ESADE’s Executive Program for Women Board Members, she combines strategic insight and leadership expertise. Fluent in English and French, she is a member of WOMEN CEO and actively supports diversity and inclusion initiatives, reinforcing her role as a trusted partner for businesses navigating complex talent challenges.