On 4 September 2025, NextTechTalents partners gathered in Vienna for an intensive workshop aimed at aligning methods, clarifying priorities and coordinating upcoming activities. Discussions centred on collecting evidence, engaging stakeholders and translating insights into practical tools, training frameworks and communication activities.

A full-day workshop brought partners together to align objectives, working methods and upcoming activities. The aim was to ensure that early project findings directly shape later outputs, creating a consistent link between evidence gathering and practical implementation.

A key focus was data collection and analysis related to early research careers. Partners agreed to gather information on existing support measures, challenges in career progression, examples of good practice, and relevant policy and legislative frameworks. Attention was given to identifying both what is already available and where gaps and unmet needs persist.

Stakeholder engagement methods were discussed in detail. Semi-structured interviews were confirmed as the primary tool for collecting in-depth insights, supported by online surveys targeting early career researchers. This combined approach is intended to capture both personal experiences and structured feedback, drawing on a broad range of perspectives from academia and beyond. Together, partners defined which stakeholders to involve, what key topics to cover, and how to structure interviews and surveys to capture both broad and country-specific perspectives.

The workshop also explored how the collected data will inform future tools and resources. Partners highlighted the potential for more personalised support pathways that reflect individual skills, career goals and development needs, while ensuring that project-specific findings remain central to the analysis.

Building lasting training and capacity

Training and capacity-building activities formed another important topic of discussion. Planned outputs include structured training frameworks, practical guidance for human resources units, curated learning materials and a handbook designed to remain useful beyond the project’s lifetime.

Implementation and rollout planning covered webinars and training sessions, including delivery formats, language considerations and recording options. Emphasis was placed on supporting researchers transitioning into industry environments through clear onboarding and guidance.

The workshop concluded with a shared understanding of responsibilities, coordination needs and next actions. Partners reaffirmed their commitment to regular communication, wider dissemination and collaboration with related initiatives to strengthen early research career pathways across Europe.

Links

https://www.nexttechtalents.eu/

https://twitter.com/NextTechTalents

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexttechtalents-project

https://www.youtube.com/@NextTechTalents-Project

Keywords

talent ecosystem, research competences, employability, early-stage researchers, deep tech, video lectures, handbook, training system