How to attract international technology talents to Finland? A case of Vietnamese talents

Abstract

Vietnam is one of the countries targeted in initiatives to promote Finland and draw foreigners and has a growing number of high-quality IT personnel. Hence, attracting these talents would be advantageous for the Finnish technology industry. This thesis aims to contribute to the current literature by exploring both sides of the talent attraction process - the foreign talents and the Finnish employers. Employing an inclusive approach, the study investigates both the perspectives of Vietnamese talents and Finnish companies, shedding light on the nuanced factors influencing migration decisions. Especially, the research questions focus on what motivation and expectations Vietnamese tech talents abroad have, what Finnish technology employers currently seek in those talents, and how they could improve their talent attraction strategies to meet those demands from Vietnamese talent. The push and pull factors play a significant role, with competitive salaries being the most important factor. However, long-term stability, professional opportunities, post-entry rights, and Finnish work culture acting as significant motivators. The thesis reveals the pivotal influence of family and social ties on relocation decisions and emphasizes the importance of organizations supporting talent learning and development. Language skills, especially the prominence of Finnish, emerge as a critical consideration for talents, impacting employment opportunities and integration. Market recognition, a reciprocal challenge, highlights the need for increased awareness between Vietnamese talents and Finnish companies. Age consideration is one factor that is common among the Vietnamese talents, hence, organizations need to approach and promote Finland at a suitable timeline. Challenges related to housing, paperwork, and family integration persist but are met with proactive support from Finnish companies. The study contributes a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected factors shaping the mobility of Vietnamese tech talents to Finland, offering insights for academia, industry, and policy-makers.