Following the successful launch of the first edition of the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) in Singapore last year, many reactions, suggestions, encouragements and constructive criticisms have poured in from different parts of the world and avenues of activity. Governments, businesses and academia have shared with us their hopes and expectations about what future editions of this report should focus on. Based on this rich feedback, a number of improvements have been made to the report and the GTCI’s underlying model.

One of the most visible among these changes has been the choice of theme for this second edition, “Growing talent for today and tomorrow”. Focusing on how economies can develop talent, the GTCI 2014 addresses one of the key elements of talent policy. By stressing that talent growth must occur over differing time horizons, it indicates that relevant policies must address both immediate issues (e.g., youth unemployment) and longer-term concerns (e.g., reshaping education systems).