With an intensive kick-off meeting shaped by a strong sense of momentum, the ERDF‑funded project TALENTready officially launched on 15 January 2026. Representatives of all project partners, the participating Hamburg clusters, IFB Hamburg and the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Innovation (BWAI) came together to lay the foundation for a new, cross-cluster collaboration dedicated to securing skilled workers. From the very outset, it became clear: TALENTready is more than just a project – it is a shared space for shaping the future of work in Hamburg.
The kick-off focused on mutual understanding of the work packages and perspectives. The contributions highlighted how funding logic, project structure and operational implementation interlock. This shared vision formed the basis for the subsequent workshop phase, in which the project framework, objectives and, above all, the concrete needs of companies were discussed.
The atmosphere in the room was characterised by openness, curiosity and a collective willingness to explore new paths. In interactive formats, participants shared insights on where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) currently stand in their HR management, which challenges particularly concern them, and what kind of support truly makes a difference. Because: the shortage of skilled workers affects all industries – and this is precisely where one of TALENTready’s key strengths lies.
Thinking across clusters, acting together
TALENTready brings together Hamburg’s clusters, which typically operate in different industry contexts – from aviation to logistics, renewable energy, life sciences and the food industry. This diversity is not an end in itself but is intended to become a central success factor. Many HR challenges are similar across sectors: limited resources in recruiting, low visibility as an employer, rising demands for digital skills, and the need for practical and scalable solutions.
This is exactly where TALENTready comes in. The project develops data‑driven, digital and AI‑based approaches along the entire talent lifecycle – from strategic workforce planning and recruiting to onboarding, upskilling, retention and offboarding. The aim is to enable SMEs to future‑proof their HR work and highlight their strengths as employers.
Proximity to companies as a guiding principle
A core principle of TALENTready is its consistent focus on the real needs of companies. Hamburg Aviation and the other participating clusters – Renewable Energy Hamburg, Life Science Nord, Food Cluster Hamburg, Maritime Cluster Northern Germany and the Logistics Initiative Hamburg – see themselves as bridge builders: they translate strategic goals and technological possibilities into applicable solutions for their member companies. Within the project, SMEs will not only be addressed but actively involved – through workshops, pilot applications and exchange formats.
This creates a learning network in which experiences are shared, best practices become visible and new approaches are tested collaboratively. For many companies, this means less going it alone, more orientation, and direct access to knowledge, tools and partners that provide tangible support in day‑to‑day operations.
A strong signal for Hamburg as a business location
The TALENTready kick-off demonstrated the great potential of close collaboration between clusters, funding institutions and companies. The constructive discussions and the visible motivation of all participants sent a clear message: Hamburg is actively addressing the challenges of the labour market – in a connected, innovative and forward-thinking way.
For Hamburg Aviation, TALENTready is an important building block in supporting its member companies – not only by fostering networking, but by providing targeted support on their path towards greater competitiveness and success. Together with the partner clusters, an initiative is taking shape that aims to deliver real impact – practical, sustainable and with a clear focus on the people who drive Hamburg’s economy. The successful start leaves everyone eager for more. TALENTready has launched – and the shared journey has only just begun.