The 8.1 per cent problem: Europe is recruiting talent it cannot keep
Europe invests heavily in attracting talent and far too little in making people want to stay. Why early integration and everyday belonging matter for retention.
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Belonging is becoming a critical urban necessity.
Three forces are colliding, migration, synthetic connection and community collapse. Here's what the research says.
Featured guide
Beyond Connection: A City Planner's Guide to Social Integration
What is social integration? A deep-dive definition for city planners: how urban social integration differs from ephemeral social connection, and why structural belonging is the missing layer modern cities need.
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The partner who wasn't in the job offer
A job offer goes to one person. The decision to accept it, and later the decision to stay, is usually made by a whole household.
Read articleThe Missing Layer of the Smart City: Social Infrastructure
The IMD Smart City Index 2026 shows that the Structures pillar, not technology, predicts smart-city performance. ELSSSE builds the third layer, social infrastructure, that lets people connect, participate, contribute and belong.
Read articleBeyond Connection: A City Planner's Guide to Social Integration
What is social integration? A definition for city planners: how urban social integration differs from ephemeral social connection, why social cohesion measurement and integration KPIs matter, and why structural belonging is the missing layer modern cities need.
Read articleA significant amount of interviews from a multitude of sources. One consistent finding.
We validated the problem before building the product, talking to newcomers, expats, locals, community builders and integration experts.
“Can't enter established local circles.
“Feel disconnected from their own communities.
“Measure integration outcomes but lack tools to improve them.
The forces
1
Migration
1 in 8 people globally have a migration background. 75+ countries offer digital nomad visas.
2
Synthetic connection
AI companions are mainstream. People increasingly form relationships with machines.
3
Community collapse
Club participation ↓50% Civic meetings ↓40% Political participation ↓56% Religious participation ↓35%
Sources: CIGNA · Bowling Alone (Putnam) · Pew Research · OECD · World Values Survey
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
ELSSSE contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).
By creating real-world connections between locals and newcomers, ELSSSE strengthens mental health and social wellbeing, reduces barriers between communities, and builds the trust and civic participation that peaceful societies depend on.
Learn more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals3Good Health & Well-Being
10Reduced Inequalities
16Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Belonging is measurable.
Research partners, policy makers, let's talk.
Government & Policy
ELSSSE gives policy teams measurable belonging outcomes. Track integration progress across neighborhoods, demographics and time. Use real participation data to inform funding decisions, evaluate program effectiveness, and demonstrate social return on investment to stakeholders and constituents.