Relevance. The relevance of the study is determined by the urgent need of society to develop the intellectual and creative potential of young people to accelerate technological progress, find innovative solutions to global problems, overcome the consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other challenges of our time. Purpose. The aim of the study was to analyse the theoretical foundations and practical experience of working with gifted pupils and students. Methodology. A wide range of methodological tools were used, including the comparative and historical method, the method of generalization, structural and functional analysis, comparativism, systematization, as well as a combination of reductionist and holistic approaches to comprehensively analyse the problem of improving the system of work with gifted youth. Results. The analysis reveals the evolution of views on the nature of giftedness – from narrow ideas in the early 20th century to modern, more inclusive multidimensional concepts. It is substantiated that giftedness is a complex phenomenon that encompasses cognitive, creative, motivational, emotional and personal characteristics of an individual. The basic components of an effective system for identifying and developing talent are identified and characterized, including: identification of talented students, development of individual educational trajectories, models of enrichment learning and involvement in practical project activities. The practical experience of the United States of America, Canada, and the European Union in organizing work with gifted people is studied. It is shown that North America has extensive support for the gifted, while the European Union focuses on developing the leadership potential of talented youth. Conclusions. A number of recommendations have been formulated to improve the regulatory and organizational support in this area. In particular, it is proposed to develop special legislative acts, a national strategy, professional standards, as well as to create a network of specialized educational structures and introduce innovative technologies.