To date, research into urban economics, regional science and economic geography has predominantly focused on the firm and industry as the key units of analysis in order to understand economic development; however, the past few decades have seen a growing interest in the role played by talent in the knowledge economy. This book provides an essential overview of the skills revolution. It presents key milestones of the changes in economic development in the past few decades and explains the motivation behind the rise of talent, as well as its importance for cities and economies. It also offers advice on how to attract and manage talent – a major determinant of competitiveness for countries and regions around the world. In closing, the book explains the underlying theories and provides practical examples for students, researchers and practitioners alike.