🎧 Listen to the podcast here – and gain insights into what it will take (it is in Danish).
A Danish growth success - but no guarantee for the future
In just 15 years, Danish life science has experienced explosive growth. Exports have tripled, employment has increased by over 50%, and the sector is now the most value-creating industry in Denmark – a position we cannot take for granted.
“We’re doing well, but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels.”
Steen Donner
CEO of DTU Science Park.
In the podcast, Steen Donner and Asbjørn Overgaard discuss how Denmark can maintain its position in a world where countries like Switzerland, the UK and Singapore are massively increasing investments in research, innovation and attractive tax conditions.
Collaboration is our strength - talent and capital are our challenges
According to Asbjørn Overgaard CEO of Copenhagen Capacity, one of Denmark’s greatest advantages is the unique collaborative culture between public institutions, universities, and businesses. The so-called triple helix model creates an innovation culture that significantly contributes to the sector’s success.
“We have a unique level of trust between authorities, academia and industry, which makes it easier to develop new solutions,” explains Asbjørn Overgaard.
However, demand for highly educated specialists is growing faster than universities can supply them. Denmark increasingly relies on international talent – and must become better at retaining it.
“It’s a huge advantage that we can attract people here, but we also need to get better at keeping them,” Steen Donner emphasizes.
Capital remains a growth barrier
Another central theme in the conversation is the lack of venture capital in Denmark. Developing new drugs and technologies requires major investments – which are more readily available in the US and larger European countries.
“We need to become better at attracting large-scale investments – otherwise we risk seeing the most promising companies move their development abroad,” warns Steen Donner.
At DTU Science Park, we work strategically to support the growth journey of life science companies through tailored scale-up programmes, access to test facilities, business advisory and strong networks – all with a focus on creating the best possible conditions for innovation and international scaling.
Learn more about how we support deep tech companies at DTU Science Park here.
Steen Donner and Asbjørn Overgaard also highlight essential solutions: increased investments in education and talent development, better frameworks for international workforce recruitment, and improved access to funding.
🎧 Listen and learn more about:
- Denmark’s key strengths in global life science
- Why collaboration and trust are essential to innovation
- How we can tackle the challenges around talent and capital
- What it will take to maintain and strengthen Denmark’s global position
🎥 Watch the podcast episode
About the podcast
Business Review Life Science brings together decision-makers and industry leaders for in-depth discussions about the key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
This episode is produced in collaboration with Business Review.
