Melbourne and Australia have been placed in the top tier of an annual index that ranks countries and cities on their ability to attract and grow talent.

According to the latest 2020 Global talent Competitiveness Index, Australia makes the top 10 and Melbourne is Australia’s second most competitive city.

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.

Chinese IT professional Zac Wang moved to Melbourne last year to achieve a better work life balance.

“I wanted to further my career in Australia but also have a better life style,” Zac said.

“I’m excited about the professional opportunities that are available here in Melbourne but equally we love the lifestyle,” he said.

“The city is relaxed and easy to get around. There are many thing to do after work.

“We just love the café culture of Melbourne and the outdoors lifestyle where we can go out all year-round.”

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.

See the full index report here: https://gtcistudy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GTCI-2020-Report.pdf

To find about more about AMES Australia’s Skilled Migrant Service, go to: https://www.ames.net.au/skilled-migration-service