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New National Water Test Center in Denmark is Mobile

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:21:00 +0200

- "With the new mobile center, Water Technology Companies get easy access to test their ideas and develop new products. Regardless of the companies’ location, the test facilities will be located in the immediate vicinity of their business," says Minister for Trade and Investment and interim Minister for the Environment Pia Olsen Dyhr.

It is a consortium with consulting group COWI and the Danish Technological Institute as project managers and research institutions, utilities and municipalities as partners, who have won the tender for the test center.

Knowledge and Network to Improve Competitiveness

The new national test center for water technology and climate adaptation is supported by a secretariat, where companies can receive advice on where and how the sustainability of their idea can be tested, either by getting a researcher to evaluate if the idea or by identifying the appropriate test facilities for a specific product.

- “We should not spend all the money on bricks, when there are already facilities around the country. We will instead focus on creating synergies by gathering knowledge and partners from research institutions like Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg University, and creating a dynamic, flexible setup in line with the companies’ demands,” says Pia Olsen Dyhr.

Once the center is established by the Danish Nature Agency, it will be run independently and can be used by companies to test solutions for groundwater, wastewater and surface water.

The new national test center for water technology and climate adaptation opens this summer, but companies have already submitted their projects. Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr comments:

- “I am impressed by the projects that have been submitted, and I am confident that with this new setup we will further strengthen our international competitiveness in regard to water technology. I also hope to see foreign investors seize this opportunity to develop innovative water technology solutions in Denmark.”

The Test Center is the realization of one of the recommendations by a Growth Team for water, bio and environmental solutions initiated by the Danish government.

Electrochaea Awarded Grant for Power to Gas Project by the Danish Grid Operator Energinet

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:19:00 +0200

The grant was awarded by the Danish electricity and gas grid operator Energinet.dk through the ForskEL technology demonstration programme. As part of the grant, Electrochaea will fund laboratory and engineering work as well as a feasibility study for the realization of a MW-scale power-to-gas facility to be built in Denmark starting in 2014. Insero Business Services will provide project administration and reporting services to the project.

Steen Vestervang, R&D Coordinator at Energinet.dk, says in a press release:
- "As the transmission system operator of the Danish electricity and gas grid, we see power-to-gas as an enabling technology for Denmark's future low-carbon energy system with a high penetration of wind energy. We believe Electrochaea has a highly interesting solution and hope that our support will help the company bring its technology to the next stage of development."

Mich Hein, CEO of Electrochaea, adds:
- "Energinet.dk has been promoting power-to-gas as part of their long term strategy to integrate their electrical power and gas grids for storage and reliable delivery of renewable energy. We are excited about their continued support and are confident that this grant will allow us to quickly scale our technology to megawatt size.´"

Electrochaea established a Danish subsidiary in 2011 assisted by Invest in Denmark. Minster for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, is pleased to see that the Danish operations are successful:

-“Denmark is a green frontrunner with the goal of being entirely free of fossil fuels by 2050 and this creates ideal framework conditions for cleantech companies like Electrochaea. Thanks to the grant from Energinet.dk they can now further develop their power-to-gas technology, which can solve some of the challenges for energy storage and transform the Danish gas grid to a green gas grid.

About Power-to-Gas

Power-to-gas is an innovative and disruptive concept for grid-scale energy storage. The large and growing penetration of wind and solar energy, which produce electricity intermittently and independent of demand, causes large supply/demand imbalances and stabilization challenges in the electricity grid. Power-to-gas converts such surplus electricity into methane, the principal component of natural gas, for direct injection into the existing gas infrastructure. Because the capacity of many natural gas networks is practically unlimited for the purpose of energy storage, the energy storage capacity of power-to-gas far surpasses that of batteries, pumped hydro, and compressed air energy storage. Once in the pipelines, the gas can be used for power production during peak-hours, as renewable gas in industry and transportation, and for long-distance energy transmission via existing pipelines.

About Electrochaea

A spin-off from the University of Chicago, Electrochaea is a clean technology start-up developing a disruptive technology for grid-scale energy storage. Electrochaea’s biocatalytic power-to-gas technology converts low-cost and stranded electricity into pipeline-grade methane for direct injection into the existing natural gas network. Backed by a number of high-profile strategic investors, Electrochaea is currently scaling its technology to commercial size through a series of technology development projects. The company has operations in Denmark and the United States.

About Energinet.dk

Energinet.dk is an independent public enterprise owned by the Danish state as represented by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building. Energinet.dk's tasks are to maintain the overall short-term and long-term security of electricity and gas supply, develop the main Danish electricity and gas transmission infrastructure, and support eco-friendly power generation and the development and demonstration of green energy production technologies, among others.

Denmark's Technical University launches Green Entrepreneur House

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:00 +0200

The Green Entrepreneur House is an initiative by Scion DTU and the result of a particularly strong partnership within business development, network creation, and the incubation environment, and between entrepreneurs who are working with green solutions. The new Green Entrepreneur House will be located at the Danish Technical University’s Risø Campus in Roskilde.

Turning Strong Cleantech Competencies into Business

The location at Risø, with direct access to world-class test and demonstration facilities, and DTU’s competencies in exactly this area, provide a unique possibility to utilise the existing strengths in Green Denmark, for the benefit of emerging growth companies.

CEO at Scion DTU, Steen Donner, explains:

"Denmark has strong competencies in green technology, but we don’t see this converted into new successful companies to the degree that we had expected. The Green Entrepreneur House will change this by strengthening and developing the entrepreneur’s green business model. We have to create a strong ecosystem, and this project is a step in the right direction."

A Factory for Prototypes
The Green Entrepreneur House will also include a factory for prototypes, the so-called FabLab, which together with technical support, is a response to the challenge that many of the green entrepreneurs are experiencing: the need to cheaply and easily create a prototype to test the idea and product in the market.

Scion DTU is leading the consortium, which also includes Denmark’s Technical University, Væksthus Zealand, Væksthus Copenhagen, Accelerace and Rethink Business.

About Scion DTU:
Scion DTU is Denmark’s Technical University’s (DTU) high-tech science park and the focal point for small and large international knowledge-intensive companies who want the optimal location in a development environment for medico, cleantech, biotech and IT. With customised, flexible facilities and services, the science park makes it easy for companies to focus on what is important for their business.

Scion DTU develops individual growth plans to fit the needs of each company and creates the framework for knowledge-sharing, arranging professional networking and ensuring targeted access to research at DTU. With 50 years of experience, Scion DTU is one of the world’s oldest purpose-built clusters for knowledge-intensive companies.

The Green Entrepreneur House opens 1 September 2013. Interested entrepreneurs and companies can contact Kristine Garde at Scion DTU at krg@sciondtu.dk or: +45 5171 7776.

Denmark Reduces Corporate Tax

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 +0200

Last week the Danish government agreed upon the main elements of a growth plan estimated at 75 billion DKK which will improve the framework conditions for operating a business in Denmark.

Minister for Trade and Investment Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr says:

- “We are constantly working to improve the conditions for doing business in Denmark and I am very pleased that the Danish government can now launch these significant amendments which will make it even more attractive to run a business in Denmark.”

- “Foreign investors often point to the competent Danish workforce as one of the main reasons to establish a business here. As part of the new growth plan, we have allocated DKK 1 bn. ($ 175 mill.) for continuing education to further raise the competence level of our workforce in order to improve productivity and growth”.

- “Denmark is already ranked at the top of international surveys like the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report, and I hope that with the new improved framework conditions even more foreign companies will choose Denmark, when they are looking to expand or professionalize their business.”

Key elements of the Danish growth plan:

Lowered corporate taxation. A gradual reduction of the corporate taxation from the current 25% to 22% by 2016. The current EU average is 23%.

Reduced energy taxation. Significant reduction of energy tax and levies.

Improved access to financing. Better access to financing and liquidity for companies through an extension of VAT credit periods for companies, growth loans for entrepreneurs, small growth guarantees and new export guarantees.

Increased tax credits for costs linked to R&D activities.

More and improved continuing education in order to raise the overall competence level of the Danish workforce.

More public investment projects. Increased level of public investments and a dedicated effort towards increasing investments in remodeling of private homes and energy remodeling of public buildings

Strengthening international competiveness. Funding to address key challenges within Danish key sectors with growth potential to enhance international competitiveness.

In addition to the growth plan, the Danish Government has launched a number of initiatives in order to retain and improve Denmark’s position as one of the most advanced, competitive, and business friendly economies in the world. Those initiatives include the launch of an innovation strategy and growth teams within eight focus sectors.

The innovation strategy supports a goal-oriented approach to the creation of innovative solutions that can solve global societal challenges, while the growth teams bring businesses, organisations, Government and other stakeholders together to discuss specific industry growth conditions. These discussions will eventually lead to recommendations for the Government.

For further details about the growth plan and its implication for running a business in Denmark, please contact Nicholas Enersen from Invest in Denmark at nicene@um.dk.

Boosting Bioenergy Collaboration between China and Denmark

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:56:00 +0200

Denmark is a Pioneer

Denmark and China share the challenge of being countries with limited supplies of natural resources. This fact has forced both countries to develop innovative solutions within renewable energy.

For the last four decades, Denmark has been a frontrunner within clean energy and environmental solutions. In 1971, Denmark was the first country to establish an independent ministry to deal with the environment. Since 1980, the Danish economy has grown by 78%, while energy consumption has remained more or less constant, and CO2 emissions have been reduced. In March 2012, the Danish government agreed on a new and historic energy strategy that will make Denmark fossil free by the year of 2050.

- “The plan is simple: We will use less energy, use it smarter and expand the use of biomass, biogas and wind”, says Consul General, Karsten Ankjær Jensen, the Royal Danish Consulate in Shanghai.

Bioenergy has a strategic role

Bioenergy plays a strategic role to achieve this ambition. Today, biomass accounts for approximately 70% of renewable-energy consumption in Denmark. And the new energy strategy states that bioenergy should deliver one third of energy consumption by 2035.

- “This conference successfully introduced to the Chinese researchers that Denmark is leading not only in Europe, but worldwide, on bioenergy research and industrialization. We hope more of these events will be held in the future to promote education, research and industrial development collaboration between Denmark and China” said Mr. Yuan Zhenhong, Executive Scientist, Biomass Energy Research Centre, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Science.

A Successful Seminar

Innovation Centre Denmark and Invest in Denmark hosted the seminar on bioenergy in Shanghai, which was funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education. The Danish Consul General in Shanghai, Karsten Ankjær Jensen, opened the seminar which was attended by over 100 scientists and company representatives from both China and Denmark.

“Denmark is leading the technology for the application of bioenergy. The commercialization model of centralized and large-scale biogas plants in Denmark is also of advantages,” said Mr. Cai Changda, Chairman of Hangzhou Energy and Environmental Engineering Co,.Ltd, who sees a great potential for reducing CO2 emissions in China through cooperation with Denmark.

Read more about Danish bioenergy here at the website or contact Investment Manager Hima Yang at xinyan@um.dk or +86 138 1706 2635.

Novolipetsk Steel invests 100 mio Euro in Danish based Steel Company

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:18:00 +0200

The new rolling mill worth almost 100 mio. Euro is inaugurated today in the Danish town of Frederiksværk in the presence of the Russian Minister of transport, Maksim Sokolov, and the Danish Minister for Trade and Investment, Pia Olsen Dyhr.

NLMK DanSteel A/S has been Russian-owned since 2002 and this new investment is made to ensure competitiveness through high quality, larger capacity and a wider product range. The project worth 100 million Euro started in August 2012 as a part of the company’s strategy to leverage its strong position in the plate markets. The ambition is to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for businesses within growing sectors like the offshore wind industry.

DanSteel is part of a European division, NLMK Europe Plate, and The Danish Minister for Trade and Investment welcomes NLMK’s decision of placing the investment Denmark in front of other European locations:

- “I am glad to see how our geographic location, our infrastructure and skilled workers are decisive arguments for foreign investors like NLMK.”

- “With the new investment, DanSteel will intensify their focus on strong Danish sectors like offshore wind and maritime, and I am sure that this will be of mutual benefit to both DanSteel and the Danish value chain within these sectors.”

About NLMK DanSteel A/S

NLMK DanSteel A/S is the former ‘Det Danske Stålvalseværk’ founded in 1940 in the Danish town Frederiksværk. Since 2006 it has been part a thick plate production facility owned by NLMK Group, Russia, one of the world’s largest steel producers. NLMK DanSteel A/S employs almost 400 people and produces high quality thick plates for wind turbines, ships, boilers, “yellow goods” manufacturers and infrastructures.

For further information please contact Nicholas Enersen, Location Denmark Team Leader at Nicene@um.dk or +45 4533921231.

Volvo - Denmark a Hub for User-Centered Design

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:45:00 +0200

Denmark Speeds Up Drug Development

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:55:00 +0200

The increasing global demand for higher quality and more efficient healthcare at lower costs will benefit patients, payers, and providers. An essential part of the roadmap to better healthcare is shortening the timeframe for development of new treatments by using the right infrastructure to bring new drugs faster to the market and to patients’ bedsides.

For many years, Denmark has been actively working to guarantee the future of its pharma/biotech industries, with a long history of drug development and a strong science base. Denmark is among the top countries in the world producing biomedical research per capita.

This is reflected in the next generation of drug companies as well as in large companies such as Novo Nordisk and US companies AbbVie and Eli Lilly. These companies have worked to ensure the industry’s future through partnering and R&D activities in Denmark.

Bio 2013: Roundtable with Novo Nordisk, AbbVie and Eli Lilly

During the Bio conference this April in Chicago, Invest in Denmark is organizing an executive roundtable on R&D in Denmark on April 23 for major US biopharma companies. The roundtable will be moderated by professor Jens Mikkelsen from the University of Copenhagen and includes VP of Strategy from Novo Nordisk Finn Benned Hansen and Medical Director from AbbVie Pierre Quartarolo.

Professor Jens Mikkelsen: "Denmark is among the leaders in biomedical research. This is due to excellent universities and hospitals, robust funding, including success within the EU system and a strong biomedical industry, and last, but not least, the positive attitude towards biotech and health research from the public and private sectors."

New Danish Biobank

Last year, Denmark launched its National Biobank with more than 15 million biological specimens, offering unsurpassed opportunities for R&D: www.biobankdenmark.dk.

Denmark also has the world’s oldest cancer registry, allowing foreign companies to accelerate R&D by establishing an entity in Denmark.

Several major US life science companies already have their eyes on Denmark:

Agilent acquired cancer diagnostics company Dako last year
Abbott bought a compound from Danish company Action Pharma
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare acquired Ferrosan in 2011

For more information, interview opportunities and registration, please contact Investment Manager Mr. Jens Birk, jenbir@um.dk; +1 9174971300.

New Sino Danish Research Centre in Copenhagen

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:52:00 +0200

Building Bridges Between China and Denmark

With Fudan-European Centre for China Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Danish and European researchers will get a new platform to develop a greater understanding of Chinese culture. Chinese researchers and students will get a new window to learn more about European culture and the interaction between the two parts of the world.

- ”I am very pleased as the new centre will strengthen Danish research collaboration with China. China is a very important growth nation and a signification partner for Denmark. Our knowledge about China and Chinese culture has great importance for both the Danish knowledge institutions and for Danish business and exports,” says Morten Østergaard, the Danish Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education.

The establishment of the centre is based on the notion that research is a two-way street with focus on both European and Chinese studies. Fudan University appoints Professor Liu Chunrong as Deputy Director, and, Director of Nordic Institute of Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Geir Helgesen, will be the Danish Director of the centre. To begin with, the main focus of the collaboration is within the social sciences.

Why Collaborate with Copenhagen and Denmark?

Fudan University has collaborated with the University of Copenhagen over the past 15 years and with its strategic focus on Asian studies and prime location in Europe, it was an obvious choice for the location of the new centre.

“It has been an honour working with the University of Copenhagen and establish the first Fudan-European Centre. We hope that the centre will function as a bridge as well as a platform for the exchange of knowledge between European and Chinese researchers,” says Yang Yuliang, President of Fudan University.

“At the University of Copenhagen, we have focused strategically on research on Asia for years. The new centre will strengthen the University’s research considerably and give us a prominent position in Europe in this large and very important field,” says Ralf Hemmingsen, Rector of the University of Copenhagen.

Finnish software company establishes in Denmark

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:57:00 +0200

Dream Broker continues its internationalisation by opening a subsidiary in Denmark. The subsidiary will employ five people, and the goal is to grow the number of staff to ten during the first year of operations.

- “Denmark is very advanced in the implementation and application of modern communication technologies. We are pleased to start cooperating with the local companies, as they realise the opportunities that online-video solutions bring for more efficient operations and communication. Our new generation product solution offers our customers a completely novel and intuitive way to communicate and learn,” says Mika Ahokas, CEO of Dream Broker.

Danish Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs Pia Olsen Dyhr, says

- ”I am pleased that Dream Broker has decided to establish in Denmark. It underlines the fact that Danish companies are among the best in world to implement and apply modern communication technologies. I consider this ability an enormous strength enabling Danish companies to compete internationally. Furthermore, it underlines the high level of competences and knowledge foreign investors can tap into when placing investments in Denmark.”

Copenhagen Capacity and Invest in Denmark have assisted Dream Broker’s establishment in Denmark by introducing the company to the Danish ICT sector and establishing contact with potential local partners.

Danish Government Launches Smart Grid Strategy

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:19:00 +0200

The strategy combines electricity meters, read on an hourly basis, with variable tariffs and a data hub. This will enable consumers to use the power when it is least expensive.

- “We have set the course for developing a smart energy network that will reduce the cost of converting to sustainable energy, cut electricity bills and create brand new products that consumers will welcome,” says Minister of Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard.

Global Frontrunner in Smart Grid Technology

Currently leading the EU in research, development and demonstration of smart grid projects, Denmark can use this holistic new strategy to seize the unique chance to become a global frontrunner in a market expected to be worth billions of euro over the next 10 to 15 years.

- “The many ground-breaking smart grid initiatives underway in Denmark are attracting widespread international attention. The Government’s Smart Grid Strategy is another vital step towards developing new products and digital services for the smart energy network. Denmark is a leader in this area and it brings with it the potential for exports as well as employment,” says Hans Peter Slente, the director of the Danish Energy Industries Federation.

Paving the way for the future

Encouraging consumers to use energy more efficiently is a key aspect of the strategy. The remote-read electricity meters are crucial if consumers are to play a role in optimising a flexible energy network.

- “The strategy underlines that action is required to underpin energy policy and the Government’s economic stimulus package, so that we can roll out remote-read meters to all power consumers. Businesses are ready. The next major challenge will be to regulate electricity companies to prompt investment in the smart grid. This is something that will need to address as part of the current overhaul of electricity regulation,” says Anders Stouge, Deputy General Director of the Danish Energy Association.

Minister of Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard is pleased with the support shown by businesses for the core elements of the new strategy, he says:

- “One of Denmark’s strengths is that lawmakers, companies and NGOs join forces in support of long-term goals. This can make Denmark into a unique laboratory and role model for other countries.”

Source Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building

Read more about smart grid here on the website or contact project manager Maria Hilligsøe Stubberup for further information at marstu@um.dk.

Chinese Investors Choose Denmark for Competences

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:49:00 +0100

Invest in Denmark has assessed 32 Chinese investments into Denmark in 2010-2012. No less than 94 percent say that their investment is competence-driven.

Chinese investor, Mr. Yi Wu, CEO of Xunda Tech, says:

- “Denmark is the world leader in biomass and cleantech industry with an ambitious green strategy, and an amazing talent pool to make it happen.(…)In Denmark we get access to key technology and cutting edge knowledge within the field of biomass boilers.”

Next to high tech competences, Chinese investors point to product development opportunities as key for choosing Denmark in front of other locations. On top comes an appreciation of the competent cooperation partners (R&D, suppliers, service providers etc.).

Skilled Employees and World-leading Investment Climate

According to the World Bank, Denmark is the easiest place to do business in Europe, and the positive investment climate is also mentioned by a majority of Chinese investors in Denmark. In addition, Chinese investors appreciate the easy access to skilled employees as well as markets access in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

An example from 2012 is the Chinese company Titan Wind Energy producing wind towers in Denmark, benefitting from skilled Danish workers and an ideal location close to the port of Esbjerg. Mr. Yan Junxu, Founder and CEO of Titan Wind Energy (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., says about the establishment:

- “Our new tower facility here in Denmark increases our possibilities of servicing and expanding our global customer base. The location of our European headquarters in Varde is optimal because we see Denmark as the focal point for the global wind industry. Europe is the region that offers the most promising outlook for the development of offshore wind energy.”

The number of Chinese investments into Denmark is increasing, and the total amount of Chinese companies in Denmark is estimated to be around 80.

About the Evaluation

The statements from Chinese investors (2010-2012) are collected by the auditing companies Deloitte and KPMG on behalf of Invest in Denmark as part of yearly evaluations of Invest in Denmark’s efforts to attract foreign companies to Denmark.

Top Ranking for Danish Economy

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:09:00 +0100

“Denmark has strong and transparent institutions, which contribute to a stable political and economic environment, outperforming the 'AAA' rated medians in five out of six World Bank governance indicators. It also ranks very high on the Ease of Doing Business index,” it reads in a press release by Fitch Ratings.

Only seven other countries in the world share this AAA-ranking and can offer the same stable outlook as Denmark.

Susanne Hyldelund, Director for Invest in Denmark, says:

- “Fitch Rankings point to the Danish government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, low inflation and strong institutions as some of the key reason for the top rating. The analysis also highlights the fact that we have a wealthy, high value-added and diverse economy.”

”The same reasons that make Denmark one of the most stable economies in the world also make it a great place to do business. I hope that this triple-A ranking will encourage more foreign businesses to seize the opportunity to become part of the attractive Danish business environment.”

Despite its size, Denmark is often highlighted positively in international rankings and reports:

The Economist: “The Nordic Countries are Probably the Best-Governed in the World”

Forbes: Denmark is one of the Best Countries for Doing Business

World Bank: Denmark is the Easiest Place to Do Business in Europe

Goldman-Sachs: Denmark no. 1 in the world for Commercial Success

Transparency International: Denmark is the Least Corrupt Country in the World

Heidrick & Struggles: Denmark has best workforce in the world

Scientific American Worldview : Denmark one of the best countries for biotechnology innovation

Click to read the entire press release by Fitch Ratings or learn more about the methodology behind the ranking.

Billions to help Industries in Denmark Go Green

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:39:00 +0100

- “The fund will enable businesses to participate in our conversion to renewable energy while also making them more competitive. The goal is to have the most efficient and green businesses in the world,”
says Climate, Energy and Buildings Minister Martin Lidegaard in a press release.

The bill was presented to parliament this week and is hoped to be up and running by summer. The Euro 500 million will be released in portions from 2013 to 2020.

Four Main Goals to Assist a Green Transition

The first goal of the fund is to invest in businesses to help them replace fossil fuels with renewable energy to power their manufacturing operations.

The second goal of the fund is to help businesses replace fossil fuels with district heating. For example plant nurseries will be able to scrap their coal-fired heaters and replace them with district heating that will eventually be powered by renewable energy sources.

The third goal of the fund is to encourage businesses to couple investments in energy efficiency with an increased use of renewable energy sources.

The fourth and last goal is to help coal-fired power plants convert to biomass.

“I hope that we receive a lot of applications from businesses. It would only be a good thing for the climate, and in the long term it will improve the businesses’ competitiveness as they will stop having to depend on fossil fuels whose prices are likely to continue rising,” Martin Lidegaard says.

The fund’s goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 1 million a year and is hoped to be up and running by summer.

New Danish Offshore Wind Farms Pave the Way for New Power Grid

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

The construction of Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm so far will be completed at Anholt in the autumn of 2013, and preparations for the next two large-scale offshore wind farms are already well underway. These are Horns Rev 3 in the North Sea and Kriegers Flak in the Baltic Sea off Møn.

The decision to establish two new offshore wind farms is part of an ambitious energy agreement entered into by the Danish government and a broad majority of parties in the Danish Parliament. When ready, the two farms will combined be able to deliver an amount of power corresponding to the yearly power consumption in one million households.

The Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Building, Martin Lidegaard, says:

- “The two new offshore wind farms mean that Denmark will once again take its place among the world’s leading wind power nations. At the same time, we’ll take the first important step in the implementation of the energy agreement, which is to make Denmark less dependent on oil, coal and gas and ensure that half of the country’s energy supply is based on wind power by 2020.”

Innovative Sea-based Power Grid

The completion of the two offshore wind farms will, furthermore, lead to the construction of the world’s first sea-based power grid in combination with offshore turbines. Once the state-owned company Energinet.dk has completed constructing systems that connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, plans are to begin building a sea-based power grid in collaboration with German company, 50Hertz Transmission. The completion of the wind farm at Kriegers Flak opens up important possibilities for establishing a new type of power grid, Peter Jørgensen, Vice President, Electricity System Development, Energinet.dk, explains:

- “A sea-based power grid at Kriegers Flak will be able to transport power from the offshore turbines to the shore and will also be used for exchanging power between Denmark and Germany. This technical solution also entails that power can be sent from Danish and German offshore wind turbines to both Denmark and Germany, which means that the national economy, the market function and security of supply are strengthened. And it also helps Denmark preserve its leading position in exploitation of sustainable energy.”

Peter Jørgensen believes the development of new technical solutions for a sea-based power grid at Kriegers Flak may act as a stepping stone towards establishing a much larger power grid in the North Sea.

Background

Sea-based power grids ensure improved security of supply because several exchange connections make countries with wind power less vulnerable to fluctuations in power production as a consequence of varying wind speeds. Furthermore, technical systems are exploited better when they can be used for exchange of energy between countries in periods of time where turbines produce less power than usual.

Energinet.dk is busy doing preliminary surveys for the two new offshore wind farms, both of which will be put out for tender by the Danish Energy Agency in 2013-2015. Horns rev 3 will be the first one to be put out for tender because this farm will also be the first one to be put into operation. It is expected that the first offshore turbines at Horns rev 3 will begin to produce power some time in 2017.

Read more about the latest development in the Danish offshore industry in the latest ON/OFF Yearbook, Renewables.

Denmark Invests $7 billion in Super Hospitals for the Future

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:41:00 +0100

In the near future Denmark will have fewer, larger and more specialized hospitals and the use of health IT will be intensified. The objective of the new hospital structure is to meet increasing demands to the public healthcare system and to improve the quality of patient care, while reducing public spending.

To face this challenge, the hospitals are developed and built in close cooperation with a range of relevant stakeholders, including international companies with specific know-how, not least within health IT and medical technology.

Jon Thorgaard, Director of Invest in Denmark, North America:

- “This is an excellent opportunity for US companies who are looking to bring innovative solutions to the European Market. Denmark is an exceptional test market, particularly regarding willingness to working with the private sector, adopting new technologies quickly and high IT readiness and penetration rates amongst Danish public authorities, healthcare professionals and citizens. Denmark is the place to start if you want to stay ahead of the eHealth curve.”

Anne Mette Bang, Project Manager for Health IT at Invest in Denmark:

- “Innovation is key to the success of the new hospitals. The hospitals and the entrepreneurs look to create close relationships with national and international companies and organizations to achieve cutting-edge solutions.”

- “Technology will be implemented in the hospitals from the very beginning and close cooperation between project developers, entrepreneurs, medical workers and the industry is crucial.”

Danish hospitals have been co-developing innovative healthcare solutions with the industry for many years. This approach is now extended to a core methodology in a so-called intelligent hospital construction. 5 new super hospitals are built and 11 existing hospitals are renovated.

Panel at Himss in New Orleans next week

Invest in Denmark will host a seminar during Himss13 in New Orleans, discussing the challenges and opportunities of the new hospital structure in Denmark.

Among the panelists are Claus Duedal Pedersen, Head of Department for Clinical Innovation at Odense University Hospital, one of the current Danish super hospitals, and Senior VP at the Kaiser Permanente Foundation, Hal Wolf III. Participants will range from US firms such as IBM to US healthcare providers such as the Mayo Clinic.

The panel itself is closed to the press, but if you are interested in interviews and/or further information on the new hospital delivery structure, please see press contact info above.

Background
Each of the five Danish regions is individually responsible for the construction and/or rebuilding of the hospitals in the respective regions. However, the national organization Danske Regioner ensures coordination between the regions on an overall level in order to optimize resources and sharing of knowledge gained throughout the process. In order to support the collaboration the five Danish regions have identified a specific business potential within a number of areas, these include:

- Public/private partnerships
- Development of new technologies and solutions within logistics, IT and diagnostics.
- Patient empowerment through health-it
- Energy effective solutions and environmental friendly solutions

Facts about Health IT in Denmark
“Denmark is a leading country within eHealth. The infrastructure for IT within the industry is there and the clients are ambitious. The access to innovation and talent is a great advantage for IBM. Denmark is in many ways at the forefront of new developments. So, supplying IT to the Danish healthcare sector ensures us a leading position in the global marketplace. The vibrant and innovative business environment is attractive for us due to the highly dedicated and flexible workforce and ambitious client base. This creates and attracts talent and provides the basis for real innovation – also for IBM.”
Henrik Wieland, IBM Healthcare

Denmark is widely recognized to be a world leader within healthIT and digital care with the user/patient at the center for innovation. Denmark developed its first national strategy for health IT in 1996 and today:

- Electronic health records (EHR) have been available to all hospitals and GPs in DK since 2009, 98% of GPs now use the full computerized physician order enter system, cutting down on inaccuracies and speeding up processing
- The patient has access to own health data through Sundhed.dk, which means that they are empowered to make decisions and own their data through this single access point to healthcare services, general and disease-specific information, national guidelines, etc.
- National IT infrastructure allows for referrals, discharge summaries, exchange of clinical data, prescriptions, tele-radiology services etc. all to be done online. High user penetration rate: 98% of DK GPs, all pharmacies and hospitals, 74% of specialists and 44% of local authorities
- IT investments have already brought savings: At the new super hospital in Odense the average stay in hospital is 2.9 days (EU average of ~7 days ) and re-admission rates are in some cases down by more than 50%.

Clinical Trials in Denmark by Rasmus Beedholm-Ebsen

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:30:00 +0100

"No one in the pharmaceuticals industry today is in doubt that time is the scarcest resource in clinical development, and no one wants to put the study quality at risk. For this reason, Denmark has been among the preferred countries for conducting clinical trials for decades. The unique Danish life science environment makes it optimal for companies to conduct clinical research in various therapeutic areas. Important parameters such as time, complexity and economy work in favour of companies located here. Furthermore, since the patient retention is very high, the costs per evaluable data point come out quite favourably.Denmark has a well-functioning public national health insurance system and hospital services of a very high standard, which contributes to Denmark’s leading position within clinical research.

Uunique data systems make it possible to cross-reference data from various databases across different areas, e.g. personal identification numbers, the personal identification number system, health economic statistics and diagnosis registration in general practice. Additionally, one may cross data registers like the personal identification number with clinical trials data, making it possible to connect personal information such as address, income, gender, age, etc. with decades of samples from the various national biobanks."

Download the pdf to read the entire article or contact Rasmus Beedholm-Ebsen for further information. Read the entire issue online.

Annual Results from Invest in Denmark Cleantech Companies Take the Lead

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:08:00 +0100

During the past year, Invest in Denmark assisted 57 foreign companies in establishing a business in Denmark, mainly within the strong Danish sectors of cleantech, life science and ICT.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs Pia Olsen Dyhr, says:

- “I am glad to see so many foreign investors choosing to start or grow their business in Denmark and I hope that more will tap into the Danish clusters of competence.”

-“Last year’s investors point to the highly-skilled Danish workforce, the flexibility of the Danish labour system, our country’s ideal geographic location, as well as great facilities for research and development as decisive factors for choosing to place their investments here in Denmark.”

The majority of investments in 2012 were within the leading Danish cleantech industry. The Chinese wind tower producer, Titan Wind Energy, opted to secure its presence in the European wind energy market by establishing new headquarters in Denmark. Titan Wind Energy thus acquired Danish company Vestas’ wind tower facilities in Southern Denmark to take advantage of existing facilities and the skilled workforce. The company is now also using the Danish location as European headquarters to reach new markets.

Within the ICT sector, India-based Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) established two large software delivery centres in Copenhagen and Aarhus. TCS has also sought to secure its competitive edge by teaming up with Danish start-ups through their Co-innovation initiative.

Finally, in the life science sector, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, American-based Pfizer, opted to tab into one of Denmark’s many strong academic environments through a research and development collaboration with Aarhus University.

Background

As part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Invest in Denmark is a customized one-stop service for foreign companies looking to set up business or research activities in Denmark. Invest in Denmark’s specialized staff has the insight and well-connected networks required to advise foreign companies on every aspect of locating in Denmark. Solutions provided by Invest in Denmark often include connecting companies with key local contacts, arranging fact-finding tours and providing comprehensive benchmark analyses. All services are free of charge and conducted in full confidentiality.

The annual results are evaluated by renowned auditing company KPMG on the basis of interviews with all investors. Denmark’s highly skilled workforce; the country’s unique geographic location in close connection to Northern as well as Central Europe; the international mindset of the Danish workforce; and great facilities for research and development were mentioned as key factors for choosing to place investments in Denmark.

Danish Biotech Players Join Forces in New Centre

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:53:00 +0100

Danish businesses are among the world's leading biotech companies, and Danish biotech research is internationally recognised. With growing competition from other countries, the new research centre in Kalundborg will help Denmark maintain and expand this position.

BIOPRO is a collaborative project between leading biotech businesses and universities for the development of solutions to some of the challenges facing biotech manufacturing. It is the ambition to reduce the consumption of raw materials and energy sharply while at the same time markedly increasing the yield. Initially, BIOPRO will be located at Novo Nordisk's and Novozymes' production plants in Kalundborg and employ around 20 people, mainly researchers.

Internationally Ground-Breaking Biotech Project

Managing Director of BIOPRO, Jesper Bryde-Jacobsen, describes the project as ground-breaking on an international level, he says:

- "Firstly, the Partners behind the collaboration are heavyweights in their respective industries and, secondly, by locating the project in Region Zealand, Denmark, we get access to the plants of CP Kelco, DONG Energy, Novo Nordisk and Novozymes where we can conduct full-scale tests. Such a tight coupling between research and manufacture is unique."

- "Therefore, we expect to be able to attract international businesses and researchers who can contribute to the further development of the technology. It is the ambition to create an international cluster as it is known from the IT industry,"

Regional Project Manager at Invest in Denmark, Kristina Sisseck is impressed by the line-up of partners behind the initiative and sees great potential:

- ”If companies can reduce their consumption of raw materials and energy, they will be one step ahead in the international competition. BIOPRO is clearly an interesting platform to advance technologies with this objective, and it is my hope that also foreign companies will become part of, contribute to and not least benefit from this unique project.”

Background

The Partners behind BIOPRO are CP Kelco, DONG Energy, Novo Nordisk and Novozymes as well as the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Copenhagen.

BIOPRO is managed by the innovation and development company CAT, and the project is financed by Region Zealand, the EU and the Partners. The starting budget for the project is around DKK 40 million.

Forbes Magazine ranks Denmark one of the best countries for doing business

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:01:00 +0100

“This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade.”

The global economic crisis hasn’t left Denmark entirely untouched, but Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU and Forbes concludes that “with its business-friendly climate, the country is poised to rebound stronger than most of Europe.”

Nicholas Enersen, Team Leader at Invest in Denmark confirms that foreign companies appreciate Denmark as a location for their business:

- “Companies often get interested in Denmark because of our key knowledge and strong cluster within areas such as cleantech, life sciences and ICT, or because of our location and infrastructure. In the end it is the complete picture that makes them choose Denmark; this includes the skilled and independantly working employees, the well-functioning public system and the flexible labour market.”

Denmark is often heading international rankings: Just recently Transparency International ranked Denmark the least corrupt country in the world and the World Bank points to Denmark as the easiest place in Europe to do business.

Background

Forbes Magazine’s global league table is an annual ranking. This year’s study is based on data from the Heritage Foundation, World Economic Forum, Transparency International, Freedom House; World Bank, Central Intelligence Agency and Property Rights Alliance. Read more.

The Economist The Nordic countries are probably the best-governed in the world

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:29:00 +0100

In the leader of the magazine it reads : “The Nordics cluster at the top of league tables of everything from economic competitiveness to social health to happiness. They have avoided both southern Europe’s economic sclerosis and America’s extreme inequality. Development theorists have taken to calling successful modernisation “getting to Denmark”.”

Jacob Warburg, chief economist at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs elaborates:

- "The report confirms that Denmark along with the other Nordic countries has proved that it is possible to combine competitive capitalism with a welfare state: the secret is efficiency, transparency and honesty.”

- “Denmark is a stout free-trader who resists protecting domestic companies and welcomes investments from abroad. Denmark has perhaps the most flexible labour market in the world. Although taxes are high, procurement of public services are competitive, efficient and totally free of corruption. The credit rating is AAA and government debt significantly below the euro-zone average. In Denmark the state is popular not because it is big but because it works.

Click to read the full report or watch the interview with the editor Adrian Wooldridge below:

Copenhagen's green agenda inspires New York

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:58:00 +0100

- "In the plan on how to transform Copenhagen into the first carbon neutral capital in the world, we propose solutions that will be initiated in close partnership between public and private sector players. Wind turbines will be installed and investments made in solar cells, and power stations will be converted from fossil fuels to biomass.

We believe that carbon neutrality not only benefits the climate, the Copenhageners will gain a lot in terms of increased growth and life quality as well. Cleaner air, less noise and a greener city will give Copenhageners better daily lives and create more jobs," says Frank Jensen to Huffington Post.

Read the full interview

New official report presents opportunities in the Danish Life Sciences industry

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:13:00 +0100

Start with Denmark - the heart of life sciences introduces the reader to the most important information when placing research, investments and business within the areas of Life Sciences in Denmark. The report is developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Business and Growth, Danish Regions, the Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Lif), Medicon Valley Alliance, the industry association Medicoindustrien and The Danish IT Industry Association.

Denmark is a global player in life sciences and the home of a world leading health care industry. World class research, a strong health care system with excellent infrastructure and data collection, a safe and effective business environment combined with efficient public authorities and a tradition for public-private partnerships – these are just some of the advantages Denmark has to offer.

The report is divided into two: A brief version presenting the Top Ten reasons for choosing Denmark, and a more elaborate report with information on the healthcare industry, the healthcare system, the long-standing tradition and good framework conditions for research and clinical trials plus information about doing business in Denmark.

For more details, please download the full report.

Fortune Magazine Copenhagen could be the next Silicon Valley

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:46:00 +0100

Fortune Magazine has analyzed which cities can present this combination of creativity and business opportunities and found Copenhagen to be one of them.

Business-friendly and innovative with a strong mobile cluster and best conditions for R&D, Copenhagen offers great opportunities for the development of new IT solutions, and with a IT-skilled population of early adapters, the market is furthermore perfect as a test market.

IT Hub Copenhagen

Fortune magazine elaborates why Denmark is one of the selected IT and start-up cities:

“Last year a group of tech executives created the Founder's House in Copenhagen, an invitation-only workspace designed to incubate upcoming tech entrepreneurs. It's located a few miles from Nokia's local campus and hosts tech firms like Ge.tt, an online storage outfit, and app-hosting platform AppHarbor. The companies also receive help from Denmark's talented developers (C++ and Ruby on Rails were developed by Danes) and business-friendly regulatory environment.”

Commercial Innovation

Fortune started with data from the Global Innovation Index which is co-published by Insead and the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization and ranks countries based on a number of factors, including educational institutions and digital infrastructure. But the index also looks at the country’s track record when it comes to innovative and commercial results -- it essentially assigns extra credit to countries whose companies and institutions push their products and ideas out into the world.

The highlighted cities are especially hospitable to companies seeking the mix of talent, curiosity, and risk taking that leads to ground-breaking products and services.

Northern European countries dominated the list, and Fortune concludes that if these cities keep up the good work, soon people won't be asking, "Where's the next Silicon Valley?", but instead: "Where's the next Copenhagen?"

Denmarks open Reserach Center for Sustainable Transition

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:22:00 +0100

- “The growth and prosperity of society have been based on the exploitation of natural resources and energy (..). There is a need for new visions to ensure the further development of society. As researchers we can contribute with answers to what society can do at a point in time where the mechanisms behind the former growth are obsolete,” explains Head of DIST, Professor Ulrik Jørgensen, in a press release.

Grounded within the tradition of science and technology studies, the Center for Design, Innovation and Sustainable Transition (DIST) is dedicated to research on the socio-technical and economic dynamics of moving towards more sustainable societies through processes that engage a broad array of stakeholders. The research will be focused on the design of sustainable products and processes, how innovation processes result in change and the implications of these changes on society. DIST’s ambition is to work closely together with external partners and advance new research agendas most efficiently.

Denmark as Exploratorium of Innovation

According to the independent Danish think tank Mandag Morgen, Denmark has what it takes to become a global Exploratorium for the development of innovative and sustainable solutions as a response to the crises we are facing on a global scale.

Four years ago, Mandag Morgen pointed out seven global crises: finance, climate, food, health, poverty, resources and safety. These crises result in an increasing demand for innovative products and new service concepts, and according to Mandag Morgen, Denmark has some of the best requisites to play a vital role in finding these new solutions.

Denmark is a frontrunner within many of the affected areas like energy, healthcare, environment or food, and a range of international, Danish companies like Mærsk, Novo Nordisk or Vestas have already developed innovative solutions within logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy and other areas that have a huge market potential.

Energy efficiency and Danish government dedicated to sustainable growth

As an example, shipping giant Mærsk is developing the world’s most energy efficient container ship. Resource efficiency in general will be of great importance in the years to come and crucial if a service or product is to be competitive.

This is also the case in the wind power industry, where the Danish wind solutions provider Vestas constantly improves the efficiency of their products by developing more powerful turbines.

It is obviously an advantage for the overall framework conditions that the Danish government is actively supporting sustainable growth by focusing on selected areas of competences, helping to identify the best strategy within each area, facilitating cooperation and giving incentives.

Public-private cooperation on health care solutions

Also the Danish healthcare sector has the foundations to serve as a laboratory for new solutions. Denmark is renowned for the ability to cooperate across public institutions and private companies, and Mandag Morgen expects the new Danish super hospitals to become role models in how to create new efficient treatment systems.

The unique Danish citizen register and biobanks already present extraordinary opportunities for research that can solve the health care challenges in society.

About the Center for Design, Innovation and Sustainable Transition

DIST is a core part of Aalborg University’s strategy for building a strong, research based campus in Copenhagen that is nationally and internationally recognized within the fields of design, innovation and sustainable transitions.

The Center for Design, Innovation and Sustainable Transition – DIST – brings together researchers from the humanities, the technical and social sciences who are dedicated to conducting research on the socio-technical and economic dynamics of moving towards more sustainable societies and to developing modes of intervention that engage a broad array of actors.

Among current projects are Carbon 20 with the purpose of strengthening cooperation between city governments and companies about reduction of companies’ greenhouse gas emissions and iPower, a research and innovation platform devoted to the development of an intelligent and flexible energy system that can handle fluctuating power generation. The aim of the platform is a shift from consumption-driven power generation to production-driven electricity consumption. Find more projects at http://www.cdist.dk/Projects/.

The Economist Intelligence Unit : You would want to be born in Denmark

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:40:00 +0100

Denmark ranks fifth right after two other Nordic countries. Compared to the same study completed 25 years ago, Denmark has improved its ranking significantly from rank 24 to 5.

The Danish Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, says:

- “I am convinced that the Danish welfare model is a major reason why Denmark is one of the best places to live also in the future. We have a well-functioning and trust-worthy public sector which supports citizens and companies and assures a high level of education and research. Foreign companies and employees appreciate this.”

The study measures the quality of life across countries by linking the results of subjective life-satisfaction surveys—how happy people say they are—to objective determinants like wealth, crime, trust in public institutions and the health of family life. In all, the index takes 11 statistically significant indicators into account.

Read more about the Economist Intelligence Unit's study.

Other recent rankings:

World Bank: Denmark is the Easiest Place to Do Business in Europe

Goldman-Sachs: Denmark no. 1 in the world for Commercial Success

Transparency International: Denmark is the Least Corrupt Country in the World

Heidrick & Struggles: Denmark has best workforce in the world

Scientific American Worldview : Denmark one of the best countries for biotechnology innovation

New Danish Wind Turbine Test Bench Reduces Development Costs Significantly

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:21:00 +0100

The Danish wind power research center, Lindøe Offshore Center, is about to upgrade with this super advanced two-dock test bench for offshore wind turbines.

Regional project manager Peder Bo Sørensen explains that the new facilities will become a great advantage for manufacturers and operators:

“Previously the companies had to simulate the effects of operation in a wind park and the interaction with the grid. But it is impossible to transform the actual physical conditions into a formula. Now they get the chance to test this realistically before establishing the actual wind park and this can reduce costs heavily.”

It is thanks to funding by the Danish shipping giant AP Møller's General Fund, the major wind turbine manufacturers Vestas and Siemens, as well as the Southern Danish University and Force Technology that Lindøe Offshore Center now can start building one of the largest indoor facilities for testing and demonstration of wind turbines at a total budget of 270 million dollars.

Read more about Lindoe Nacelle Testing or contact Regional Project Manager Peder Bo Sørensen from Invest in Denmark at pedsor@um.dk for further information.

Innovative eHealth solutions at HIMSS

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:18:00 +0100

See how Cetrea helps hospitals to a better time management, how e-mergency with a simple application makes everyday life easier for people with dementia and how Mediasat's Patient Briefcase shortens patients’ admittance periods and increases their feeling of security after discharge. The video also presents livinglab denmark, an initiative that facilitates private-public cooperation to create relevant and efficient e-health solutions.

Goldman Sachs ranks Denmark no 1 in the world for commercial success

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:14:00 +0100

Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr says:

- “Framework conditions are crucial to run a professional business, and I am pleased to see that what we offer in Denmark is world class. We owe a lot to our stable and well-organized society with efficient and trustworthy institutions, but more importantly our position in the innovation category shows that we are constantly moving towards new targets through research and development.”

The study "Mapping the wealth of nations” focuses on a range of success drivers to give an idea of the overall competitiveness in each country. The drivers are covering four categories with four parameters in each:

Innovation
Patents per capita, R&D as a percentage of GDP, venture capital as a percentage of GDP and the birth rate of companies.

Denmark comes in third within innovation, not least thanks to a high amount of patents and level of R&D investments.

Institutions
Confidence in national institutions, days taken to enforce a contract, the cost of starting a business and the GINI co-efficient that measures income inequality.

Just recently, Denmark was rewarded as the easiest place to do business by the World Bank, and this is supported by a 100 percent score in ‘cost of starting business’ in the Goldman Sachs study. Combined with an extremely high degree of confidence in national institutions, this results in a global top ranking in the ‘institutions’ category.

Resources
Net crude oil exports/(imports) as a percentage of consumption, per capita food surplus/(deficit), copper + iron ore + aluminum surplus/(deficit) and retirees as a percentage of population.

As an agricultural and oil producing country, Denmark is in the top 6 in the resources category.

Infrastructure
Transport (airports per capita, railways per sq km), electricity production per capita and internet penetration.

Denmark has sound infrastructure and is very well connected both by land and by air on a national and international level, which makes it convenient to run a business also for international investors. To this adds a very high degree of internet connectivity which is also highlighted in the e-Intensity Index published by the Boston Consulting Group last month.

About the study

Mapping the Wealth of Nations is based on 100 charts published by Goldman Sachs during 2012. The overriding theme in these chart are identifying countries’ competitive advantages, and how they link to enduring company strengths. Based on these data, ‘Mapping the world’s wealth’, is a broad depiction of how the drivers of these competitive advantages are distributed across the world. See the individual scores below or contact us if you are interested in reading Goldmans Sachs' newsletter The best of Fortnightly Thoughts where the study is published.

Visual by Goldman Sachs

Denmark supports green research with 38 mio USD

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:07:00 +0100

In the projects, universities and companies will cooperate to transform scientific knowledge into technological knowhow and solutions that can be key elements in handling some of the challenges in creating a more sustainable energy system.

The major part of the funding is granted to projects which can make it more cost efficient to convert the Danish energy sector to be entirely based on renewables. This year, projects within biogas, photovoltaic solutions, fuels cells, batteries and heat pumps are on the list as well as research that will enhance the level of knowledge in regard to efficient electricity markets and consumer behavior. In former years, focus has been on wind energy, where Denmark is already a leading nation.

The aim of the Strategic Research Council is to ensure Denmark’s position as a global frontrunner regarding welfare, wealth and science. As part of this overall goal, the Programme Commission on Sustainable Energy and Environment works to increase the share of renewable energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to create a renewable and environmentally sustainable energy system.

Energy agreement for a fossil free Denmark

This spring, the Danish government entered a historically broad an ambitious energy agreement, which means that there is high political attention and support to make Denmark free of fossil fuels like oil, carbon and gas.

The Chairman of the committee, Professor Poul Erik Morthorst from DTU Management Engineering, explains in a Danish press release:

- “With the energy agreement from March this year, the politicians are heading for an energy system dominated by electricity where a great part of the supply will be sourced from energy sources with fluctuating production like wind and sun. This puts high demands on an efficient handling, if we are to preserve a stable and secure energy system.”

One of the projects is 4M Centre for commercializing of high temperature fuel cells where the Danish Technical University and Aalborg University host some of the world’s leading research environments. The center expects to benefit from the important international market for fuel cells and Danish start-ups and Korean universities will be involved.

Denmark Takes the Lead in Combating Climate Change

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:43:00 +0100

The ambitious Danish energy agreement drafted earlier this year is one of the main reasons why Denmark has jumped from rank 9 to 1 in this year’s climate change index.

"Denmark is this year’s best performer and ranks 4th behind the top three empty positions. Their success is based on a positive development in recent emissions and an exceptionally good policy evaluation.,” concludes the report.

The report made by the Climate Action Network Europe in collaboration with the environmental think tank Germanwatch assesses countries based on CO₂-emissions, sustainable energy, energy efficiency, as well as environmentally-friendly policies.

Danish Energy Agreement Encourages Green Transition

As a strong testament to Denmark’s dedication to a green transition, the Danish government entered into an ambitious energy agreement in March 2012, stipulating that around 35 per cent of Denmark’s energy will come from renewable resources in 2020, and that the country will be entirely free of fossil fuels by 2050.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, says:

-“With the historically broad and ambitious agreement we drafted this spring, we have paved the way for an even stronger cleantech industry in Denmark. The agreement assures good framework conditions and that energy policy will continue detached from changes in the governing majorities.”

-“I am obviously pleased to see that the Danish efforts to reduce CO2 emission are reflected in the new Climate Change Performance Index, and I hope to see both Danish and foreign companies contribute to intensify this development in the years to come.”

Also the WWF and the Danish-based Ecological Council point to the energy agreement as a key determinant behind Denmark’s impressive ranking as world number one:

- “The world needs countries that can serve as role-models of how to switch an entire society to be dependent on sustainable energy with a large degree of energy efficiency. Denmark is such a country. We demonstrate that it is both possible and economically sustainable to make a switch in energy supply, says Energy and Climate Policy Advisor in the Danish Ecological Council, Søren Dyck-Madsen in a press release.”

Download the report here.

About the Climate Change Performance Index

The Climate Change Performance Index is an instrument designed to enhance transparency in international climate politics and highlight those countries with best-practice climate policies. On the basis of standardised criteria, the index evaluates and compares the climate protection performance of 58 countries that are responsible for more than 90 percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions.

Denmark is the Least Corrupt Country in The World

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:17:00 +0100

The CPI – Corruption Perception Index - is based on a combination of surveys and assessments of corruption collected by reputable institutions and focuses on the perception of corruption in the public sector. This years study covers 176 nations.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr comments:

- “In Denmark we have a society based on trust. We trust each other and we trust the public institutions that surround and support us. I am pleased to see that this is also reflected in the newest study by Transparency International, as I know that a well-functioning public sector is a key element in running a professional business.”

Denmark is often highlighted as a good place to do business, because of the safe business environment with no bribery and a very well-functioning public sector. Just recently the World Bank ranked Denmark number one in Europe in regard to the ease of doing business.

While Denmark scores 90 point out of 100, two thirds of the 176 countries ranked in the 2012 index score below 50.

About the Corruption Perception Index (CPI)

The CPI is the most widely used indicator of corruption worldwide.

The 2012 CPI draws on data sources from independent institutions specialising in governance and business climate analysis. The CPI includes only sources that provide a score for a set of countries/territories and that measure perceptions of corruption in the public sector. Transparency International reviews the methodology of each data source in detail to ensure that the sources used meet Transparency International’s quality standards.

The CPI is an indicator of perceptions of public sector corruption, i.e. administrative and political corruption. It is not a verdict on the levels of corruption of entire nations or societies, or of their policies, or the activities of their private sector. CPI is conducted by Transparency International, a global civil society organisation against corruption.

New Green Gas Video by Energinet.dk

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:43:00 +0100

New issue of Focus Denmark

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:24:00 +0100

According to the Technical University of Denmark and Henning Larsen Architects, who have joined forces in a new and unconventional research project to examine the connection between design and energy use in buildings, 40–50 percent of a building’s energy consumption is “locked” into the design. In other words, the shape of a building, and the materials of which it is made, impose limits on the energy savings that can later be made with the help of technology.

This issue of Focus Denmark takes a close look at a number of building and urban planning projects where energy and environment have played a key role, both in Denmark and abroad. One example is Chongqing in south-west China, where the city council has teamed up with a Danish consulting firm in an effort to return the car-dominated city to pedestrians and cyclists.

Beyond the main theme, we delve into a new trend in Corporate Social Responsibility: companies are increasingly discovering that customers, investors, end users and the media expect them to report on their CSR activities and visions. In Denmark this has even been a legal requirement since 2009 for companies of a certain size, which according to experts has increased senior management awareness of CSR.

In this issue you can also meet a number of smaller-scale fashion companies that have launched sustainable business concepts based on clothing exchange, clothing repairs and even a “clothing library”, a photographer who has become the first Dane to become a full member of the prestigious photographers’ association Magnum Photos, and a key figure in a San Francisco-based online community marketplace, who more than most has put his trust in Danish hospitality.

Enjoy reading.

Denmark is an Innovation Leader

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:03:00 +0100

The European Commission’s report Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2012 (RIS) provides a comparative assessment of innovation performance across regions of the European Union, Croatia, Norway and Switzerland. Denmark is part of in the best performing group of Innovation leaders with Region Midtjylland (Central Jutland) and the Copenhagen Region as spearheads.

The innovation leading regions in Denmark are ranked as such because of the public and private R&D flows, innovative activity of SMEs, public-private collaboration in research and innovation, development of technological and non-technological innovations, number of patents, employment in high-tech manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services and more.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Pia Olsen Dyhr, says:

- "The Regional Innovation Scoreboard confirms that Denmark is a great location for companies who need to be innovative. We are renowned for our ability to create public-private research, we have a well-educated and creative workforce and our SMEs efficiently turn new ideas into successful business cases."

- "Innovation is highly prioritized by the Danish government and as part of this process we are about to strengthen our global presence with more international innovation centres. I am confident that this will result in an increasing amount of innovation projects in cooperation between international and Danish companies to a mutual benefit."

Denmark is already running four innovation centres in Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Munich and Hong Kong. The new centres are to open in 2013.

Download the Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2012

New Smart City Partnership contributes to Denmark's Green transition

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:27:00 +0100

Smart City Kalundborg is a pioneer project that will contribute to achieving the green transition of Danish society and support the political goal of 50 per cent wind power by 2020. The project is aiming to demonstrate a range of practical solutions to some of the challenges which we face on our way to becoming a society independent of fossil fuels.

The smart city of Kalundborg will demonstrate how a city is able to exploit energy resources in the best possible way. This is done by getting the systems that control electricity, water, heat, transportation and buildings to talk to each other on an open platform, for which a number of companies will provide their technology and knowledge.

The project is one of the most ambitious carried out in Denmark so far. Besides making Kalundborg the city where the future Smart Grid will become reality, the goal is to deliver solutions and methods that inspire other cities in Denmark, as well other countries.

Regional project manager Maria Hilligsøe Stubberup from Invest in Denmark explains:

- “Denmark is already an attractive destination for foreign companies to develop and test new solutions within smart grid and renewable energy. This project highlights the Danish ability to engage in public-private partnerships which make demonstration projects and testing possible at a scale that is otherwise hard to achieve.”

The partners behind Smart City Kalundborg

The local energy utility SEAS-NVE plays an important role in the project and is working in collaboration with the municipality of Kalundborg, Danish Energy and Spirae in a consortium, which has the main responsibility of completing the EUDP-project. In addition to the core partners, ABB, CleanCharge, Clever, Danfoss, Gaia Solar, DONG Energy, Gridmanager and Schneider Electric are also participating in the project.

For further information, please contact Regional Project Manager at Invest in Denmark, Maria Hilligsøe Stubberup at marstu@um.dk or find further contact details for the involved stakeholders at www.danskenergi.dk

e-Intensity Index Ranks Denmark Second in the World

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:30:00 +0100

The e-Intensity Index measures online enablement, expenditure and engagement to provide an overall assessment of the Internet activity worldwide.

Like last year, South Korea and Denmark top BCG’s 2012 e-Intensity Index, but the spread between countries with highest and lowest scores has been doubling since 2009.

Targeted Government Policies boost Internet Use in Denmark

The report points to the fact that government policies are playing an important role in defining the differences between stronger and weaker performers.

“It’s increasingly clear that some countries ‘get’ the Internet - and its impact on economic activity - while others are failing to fulfill their potential,” says James Purnell, a senior advisor to BCG and a former U.K. secretary of state for culture, media, and sport. “Governments of the countries that are at the top of the rankings- or are rapidly moving up - look to encourage Internet use among consumers and businesses and within government itself, because they recognize that it can be a powerful edge in the competitive global economy, including job creation. Countries further down the list risk falling further behind if they do not act.”

The Danish Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, recognizes this role:

“Digitalizing public services has been on the agenda in Denmark for more than a decade to the benefit of citizens and companies in Denmark. Whether you are registering a company or consulting your physician, it can be done online. Just recently we implemented digital land registration and we are continuously working to provide more and better digital services.”

Denmark Ideal for Development and Test

The Danish world-class IT infrastructure and online presence forms a great platform for companies across sectors, working actively with ICT as part of their business case. ICT Team leader Ditte Rønde Veise from Invest in Denmark elaborates:

“The fact that IT and internet are an integrated part of everyday life in Denmark, make Danes early adapters and the Danish market an ideal entry point for companies with innovative products. Combined with a long experience with user-driven product development, Denmark is highly regarded as a market for the design, development and testing of new competitive products, services and solutions”

About the report

The 2012 BCG e-Intensity Index, covers 85 countries - including all 27 EU countries - during the four-year period from 2009 to 2012.

Different from other Internet indexes and rankings mainly focusing on network speeds and penetration, the e-Intensity Index provides a comprehensive cross-country assessment of the depth and breadth of Internet activity, by measuring different countries’ supply of Internet infrastructure (enablement), the demand for and use of online retail and advertising (expenditure), and Internet services (engagement). Historical e-Intensity Index scores back to 2009 have been calculated for all 85 countries. To download a copy of the report, please go to www.bcgperspectives.com.

Life Science start-ups are ready to convince investors at venture contest in Aarhus

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:24:00 +0200

20 European entrepreneurs within life sciences will compete for the attention and funds of possible investors, when the European Venture Contest (EVC) semifinal takes place on 24 October in the city of Aarhus, Denmark.

The participating entrepreneurs, coming from Denmark as well as a range of other European countries, will get the chance to present their business ideas to a panel of expert reviewers consisting of international venture capitalists, corporations, investors, international business executives and prestigious experts in their field.

“For the participating companies, the European Venture Contest is a great opportunity to present their business plan, to profile themselves internationally, and to make contact with future business partners”, says Tine Hartmann Nielsen, Life Sciences team leader from Invest in Denmark.

Networking is key to bring new life science products to the market

Peter Samuelsen from Acarix, one of this year’s participants working in the field of diagnostic methods for coronary artery, explains why he signed up for the contest:

“It is a complex and resource-demanding process to develop a new medtech product, and many good ideas never make it to the market. The EVC in Aarhus is an ideal opportunity for us to broaden our network among VC funds, which can help us attract more venture capital and develop our business.”

The 5 most promising concepts in Aarhus will be one step nearer the final in Berlin in December, where 120 companies operating within life sciences, ICT and cleantech will compete. But more than just winning the contest, it is an opportunity for the companies to network with potential business partners, and with 120 investors joining in Berlin.

“As a company you get very valuable connections. Initially, I was actually very sceptical and only joined the event because my colleague pushed me, but I am very pleased that we did. I was surprised how many major investors and interesting companies were actually present”, explains founder and CEO Prof. Dr. Edith Huland of the German company Immunservice, a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for cancer and infectious diseases. Immunservice participated in EVC in Aarhus two years ago and ended up winning the Life Sciences final.

Denmark has a strong life science cluster

Denmark is an excellent setting for the competition. Its life sciences industry has developed into one of the strongest clusters in Europe, and it is an international example of how to successfully turn academic knowledge into commercial business. The industry consists of a dense network of universities, hospitals and companies working closely together within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical technology.

“There is a high amount of skilled and competent people within the field of life sciences in Denmark, and a large pool of start-ups within biotechnology and medical technology companies, which offers great business and investment opportunities for international companies and VCs”, says Tine Hartmann Nielsen from Invest in Denmark.

The competition will take place on 24 October between 8.30am – 3.30pm at KPMG Aarhus, Værkmestervej 25, 8100 Aarhus C.

The media is welcome.

For further information please contact Life Science Team leader, Tine Hartmann Nielsen from Invest in Denmark at tiniel@um.dk or +45 2528 3744.

Denmark is Again the Easiest Place to do Business in Europe

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:52:00 +0200

Companies looking for a smooth way to set up and run their new business should choose Denmark as their destination.

The World Bank ranks Denmark as the easiest place in Europe to do business in their newly released ‘Doing Business 2013’ index which is the tenth in a series of annual reports benchmarking the regulations that enhance business activities and those that constrain it.

Denmark consistently ranks very high on the World Bank’s Doing Business index that through inputs of a network of more than 9,000 local experts compares business regulation in 185 economies in the world, and this year only Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the US are ahead of Denmark.

The Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, comments:

- “Today’s ranking of Denmark by the World Bank supports the fact that Denmark has one of the most efficient and dynamic business environments in the world. In the Danish government we continuously focus on improving conditions for foreign companies, and this confirmation of last year’s top ranking tells me that our efforts pay out.”

- “Companies can benefit from an easy plug ‘n play registration and be ready to do business within a few hours and just recently we implemented digital land registration. Denmark is a very stable base for foreign companies not least because of our transparent and efficient public government services.”

- “Apart from the ease of setting up and running a business, Denmark offers one of the world’s most flexible labour markets thanks to a unique flexicurity system which allows business to quickly reorganize their business and respond to new opportunities or challenges. Not least in today’s fast changing and unpredictable business environment, the businesses located in Denmark are in a very good position to adapt and succeed.”

World Bank report builds on in-depth research

11 areas of business life are covered in the World Bank report on the ease of doing business. The report looks into how easy it is to start a business, deal with constructions permits, paying taxes and employing workers and other elements relevant when establishing or running a business. As part of this study, the World Bank monitors and summarizes which business reforms have been implemented and if these reforms have made it easier or more difficult to do business in the country.

Ease of Doing Business has impact on FDI

This year the report also analyses if there is a connection between the ease of doing business and foreign direct investment. This correlation is often taken for granted by the media and governments, and the analysis shows that having a good business climate indeed has a positive impact also on the investment flows to the country. The report concludes:

“The strong and statistically significant relationship between FDI and the overall level of regulation as measured by Doing Business indicators supports the claim that Doing Business data reflect more about the overall investment climate than what matters only to small and medium-size local firms. These findings also support the more general claim that governments that regulate well in one area, such as domestic business, tend to also regulate well in other areas, such as foreign investment.”

Click to read the full report or to learn more about establishing a business in Denmark .

For further information, please contact:

Anne Lubbe, Communications and Online Manager at + 45 3392 1378 – email: annlub@um.dk

International Energy Contest has its World Premiere in Denmark

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:52:00 +0200

New investment opportunities, new networks, and new business ideas!

These are the visible results that organisers and participants expect from the premiere of 'European Venture Contest Energy' in Horsens on October 23. Experts and investors will get the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs and critically review their business plans. Among other things, the aim is to find new potential investors for the emerging companies.

"One of the strongest sources of economic growth is knowledge, which is translated into business. It requires investors as well as entrepreneurs, who are ready to seek out new markets and offer unconventional products and services. At the same time, a business idea has to have the potential to become the next ground-breaking technology," says Mogens Vig Pedersen, CEO of the Insero Horsens foundation, which is represented on the day.

New and sustainable business ideas

With a lot of prospects to choose from, the organisers have selected the most promising entrepreneurs, as well as investors and experts for the contest focused on energy production, distribution and efficiency. The expert panel responsible for selecting the participating entrepreneurs expects to discover new and innovative business ideas, including some that contribute to the Danish political vision of basing a far greater part of the world’s energy production on renewable energy sources.

Invest in Denmark is enthusiastic about hosting the first ever ’European Venture Contest Energy’ in Denmark, and Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, says:

“Sustainable energy is one of the Danish government’s top priorities, and I hope that this venture contest will bring new green ideas to life that can help us reach our aim of becoming entirely free of fossil fuels by 2050. Not only Denmark, but the entire world needs solutions for a more sustainable lifestyle and this event is a great opportunity to match creative green minds from all over Europe with potential investors.“

The competition takes place in Vitus Bering Innovation Park, a large Danish development park for growth-oriented companies and entrepreneurs, and has been arranged in a collaboration between the European network organisation ’Europe Unlimited’, which is responsible for organising all ’Venture Contest’ competitions in Europe, Insero Horsens, Invest in Denmark and the Municipalities of Horsens and Aarhus.

After the competition in Horsens, the venture caravan will continue to Aarhus, where the ‘European Venture Contest’ focusing on Health Care is hosted on Wednesday.

Background

Facts

The European Venture Contest semi-final on energy brings together 30 promising start-ups in the field of renewable energy. By means of a presentation they will showcase their ground-breaking technology in front of a jury consisting of business angels, venture capitalists, corporate investors and other industry experts.

The Top 25% will get the opportunity to take part in the Nordic Venture Forum and the European Venture Summit.

The start-ups have been selected within the following 3 areas:
- Energy production from sustainable sources (e.g. solar or geothermal)
- Energy infrastructure and distribution (e.g. electric vehicles or smart grids)
- Energy efficiency and storage (e.g. fuel cells and batteries or heat storage)

About Europe Unlimited

Europe Unlimited is a strong European network platform with 14 years of experience in managing networks among Europe's leading venture stakeholders, investors, SMEs and start-up entrepreneurs, as well as representatives from national and regional cluster companies and incubator environments. Europe Unlimited hosts all 'European Venture Contests' around Europe and thus also the venture contest in Horsens on October 23rd.

About Invest in Denmark

Invest in Denmark is part of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helps foreign companies looking to invest and locate in Denmark. Invest in Denmark is headquartered in Copenhagen, and has specialised employees around the world as well as in all regions of Denmark. Invest in Denmark provides foreign investors with information, analyses and the right contacts and service providers, making it easy to tap into the Danish strongholds e.g. within the clean tech industry.

About Insero Horsens

Insero Horsens is a private equity that invests in businesses, entrepreneurs and projects in the fields of energy and ICT. This is done by offering venture capital specialised consultancy and the proper network. Among other things, Insero Horsens has invested in nine start-up companies in the fields of energy and ICT, cluster companies in the fields of IT, e-mobility and energy (from the earth and the sun) as well as the consulting firm Insero Business Services. In addition, Insero Horsens also invests locally in education, culture and sports.

New Issue of Focus Denmark

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:40:00 +0200

In this issue of Focus Denmark we turn our attention to the increasingly popular Danish cuisine. Food lovers no longer need to travel north to eat Nordic food, because restaurants serving Danish food are popping up around the world, and the popularity of Nordic food has stimulated exports of Danish produce. In a mini-theme on agriculture, we report on a boom in sales to China, which are expected to nearly triple over the next five years. We also delve into the history of Denmark as an agricultural land – from 150 years ago when famine was rife, to today when Denmark produces much more food than the country itself needs.

And we have other things on the menu besides food. Meet businessmen who are seeking to supply the financial world with better IT systems, local fishermen who are fighting to preserve one of the nation’s last coastal fishing communities, the directors behind genre-experimenting documentary films that have become big sellers worldwide, and a Chinese investor who used a closure-threatened wind turbine factory in Denmark as a stepping stone to global expansion.

Billions to be Invested in Offshore Wind Energy

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:49:00 +0200

International analyses indicate that around € 40 billion will be invested in new offshore wind farms in Europe over the coming 4 years. This money will be on the agenda when Offshore Center Danmark stages the annual international B2B event for the offshore wind industry – OWIB – also known as the Offshore International Business2Business event on November 14 and 15. Players in the offshore sector use the OWIB to build bridges to new partners, and according to the 325 participants’ own calculations, 5,100 contacts were made in a single day at last year’s OWIB event.

Development Manager Morten Holmager from Offshore Center Danmark observes:

“The most recent estimates from international institutes indicate that around € 40 billion is expected to be invested in establishment of wind installations in Europe over the next 4 years. The expertise built up by Danish companies in offshore wind technology through the past 20 years means Denmark’s position remains strong, but it’s also necessary to think across borders to exploit the expertise built up by the sector. The OWIB is an obvious opportunity for companies and organisations to meet one another in an international forum.”

He adds:

- “With participants from 11 nations, we proved last year that the OWIB is an important meeting place for players in the global offshore wind sector. The OWIB 2012 will build on last year’s success, so we’re ambitious, and we expect a lot of the event. In order to ensure optimum focus on the international market, the OWIB has been organised in collaboration with the organisation Work in Denmark under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.”

Renewable energy is a Danish top priority

The Danish Minister for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Pia Olsen Dyhr, sees OWIB 2012 as a great opportunity for both international and Danish participants:

- “Denmark has the world’s leading offshore wind industry. A position based on Danish knowhow and technology, but also the wide range of international players that have already become part of the Danish wind industry. I hope that this OWIB conference will further increase this number."

- "Sustainable energy is one of the Danish government’s top priorities and by 2020, 50 per cent of the electricity consumption in Denmark will be based on wind energy. This is one of the milestones in the ambitious Danish energy agreement which will make Denmark entirely free of fossil fuels by 2050."

- "Offshore wind energy is a key element to solve the energy challenge that we are facing not only in Denmark, but worldwide. Therefore I am very pleased that Denmark for the sixth year in a row is hosting this international offshore wind energy event, where relevant partners can meet to improve and expand their clean tech activities by sharing knowledge and finding the right cooperation partners.”

Extra day for conference

As in previous years, the OWIB’s concept involves brief, informal meetings between operators, producers, suppliers, energy companies and consultants in the offshore wind industry. Prior to the conference, participants have the chance to inform Offshore Center Danmark of specific companies or people they would like to meet – one might call it a kind of speed dating for business.

Small suppliers have the opportunity to present new products and ideas for potential partners and investors, and producers and energy companies can approach new suppliers or look for joint venture partners across borders.

An extra day has been added to the OWIB 2012. The Danish Wind Industry Association and Esbjerg Business Development Centre present a conference programme focusing on the sector’s future challenges under the heading “The Future Demand of the Offshore Wind Supply Chain.”

Click to read more about OWIB 2012

China Life Sciences Tour

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:50:00 +0200

Dates: 18 -23 November 2012

The Chinese Life Sciences industry has progressively been looking for foreign Biotech and Medtech pipelines that can deliver efficiency and enrich its existing portfolio in addressing the increasing needs from its domestic healthcare market. Denmark, a major world player in drug development, can offer high quality and ground-breaking research and development along with varied attractive business solutions, such as research co-development and strategic alliance for Chinese Life Sciences industry. In capturing this good match between Chinese market and Danish stronghold, this tour will promote Danish Life Sciences pipeline and facilitate the initiation of Sino-Danish Life Sciences partnership through a series of events and meetings including:

China-Denmark Biomedical Forum with Shanghai Biopharmaceutics Industry Association (SBIA) and ~200 SBIA member companies in Shanghai
Sino-Danish Life Sciences Workshop with China Pharmaceutical Industry Research and Development Association (SINO-PhIRDA), and Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine (TJAB).
Visiting numerous leading Chinese Life Sciences companies in Shanghai and Beijing, such as SinoPharm, China Resources Pharmaceutical, Shanghai Pharmaceutical, Tianjin Pharmaceutical, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals et al.
Meeting Chinese life sciences investment communities and strategic investors in Shanghai and Beijing, such as China Renaissance, Legend Capital et al.

The technology and focus areas are:　

Research pipeline that addresses major diseases, such as oncology and metabolic diseases
New therapeutic strategies, such as therapeutic antibody, recombinant enzymes
Innovative diagnostic products or platforms

To sign-up

Please send and email to Investment Manager at Invest in Denmark, Margaret Yin maryin@um.dk, before October 26.

Arranged by Invest in Denmark with Innovation Centre Shanghai as implementing partner

Nokia closure in Denmark turns into start-up booster

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:54:00 +0200

It was a sad day for almost1000 Nokia-employees in Denmark when it was announced last year that the Finnish telecommunications company would be closing their Danish R&D department as part of a global consolidation process. But the combination of a sound Exit Programme driven by Nokia and creative heads in abundance has now resulted in 35 Danish start-ups and more in the pipeline. The companies are offered free office space in the former Nokia buildings at the waterfront in the southern part of Copenhagen.

To top up, a number of relevant public organisations have chipped in to help create new business opportunities. "We have received tremendous support from among other, authorities, Copenhagen Municipality, Invest in Denmark and Copenhagen Capacity, and we hope eventually to establish a mini-Silicon Valley with the skills that are gathered here. In addition to the creation of new companies, there are also ten external companies that have decided to settle in the area, and along with the fact that Aalborg University has also moved in, we hope that there will be synergy between both research and education, patents, start-ups and new product development, "explains Peter Ib, CEO at Nokia Denmark to the Danish media outlet Ingeniøren.

Investor for innovative GPS watch

One of the companies created by former employees in Nokia’s R&D center in Copenhagen is Acorn Projects who already developed their first product, a special runner’s GPS watch.

Chief Technical Officer at Acorn, Lars Møller explains: We were part of a very well-functioning team that in Nokia stood behind 80 million sold products in the market, so when I heard about the closure I was obviously shocked, but it also gave an opportunity to be creative, so I tried to gather the team, as we have been cooperating extremely well.”

Seed Capital has already invested in the Acorn’s GPS watch to allow the production of the first prototype.

ICT Project Manager at Invest in Denmark, Maria Hilligsøe Stubberup says: “This really shows what the Danish ICT cluster has to offer: Skilled people who are not only qualified, but also creative, full of initiative and good team players. I look forward to seeing how many new companies and business ideas will be generated and I hope that also foreign investors will eye the opportunities that this creates in terms of recruiting entire teams or tapping into start-ups.”

Background

As part of a global consolidation process, upwards of 10,000 employees have been dismissed by Finnish Nokia since April 2010. As a consequence of this process, the R&D division in Copenhagen will be closing down by the end of 2012, meaning the dismissal of 950 employees.

With the establishment of a so-called bridge-team, Nokia put a programme in place to secure that the available talent and facilities could be leveraged into new R&D and business activities.

This has resulted in other companies recruiting employees or even entire teams from the Nokia R&D center, as well as the establishment of 35 new companies.

Gates Foundation on the lookout for innovation and research

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:07:00 +0200

In the battle to improve people’s health all over the world, the Gates Foundation has previously invested in Danish medical research.

Now the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the largest private philanthropic foundation in the world, is looking for applications for its Grand Challenges Explorations initiative, a USD 100 million grant initiative encouraging innovation in global health and development research. Anyone with a transformative idea is invited to submit an application. Grants are awarded against a set of specific topics such as new approaches for the interrogation of anti-malarial compounds and design of new approaches to optimize immunization systems. Read all topics here.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which works “to help all people lead healthy, productive lives”, has previously invested in Danish research within vaccines against tuberculosis - a disease which still poses a major threat to health in developing countries.

Last year, at a global tuberculosis conference taking place in Denmark, the Gates Foundation invited world-leading researchers to brainstorm on how to solve the challenge of creating a vaccine for tuberculosis.

Denmark is already a European leader in drug development and has the third largest commercial drug development pipeline in Europe in absolute numbers. Medicon Valley, one of Europe’s top three sites for biotech innovation alongside Cambridge in the United Kingdom and Basel in Switzerland, spearheads the Danish biotech cluster with a strong presence and close collaboration between universities, hospitals and companies.

Proposals are being accepted at www.grandchallenges.org/explorations through 7 November 2012.

Invest in Denmark Embarks on Design Tour in India

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Indian companies wanting to upscale on design and innovation should consider investing in Denmark, as its world-leading designers, design schools and design companies have a wealth of experience to offer.

That will be the key message on the Industrial Design Asia Tour arranged by Invest in Denmark, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in cooperation with the Confederation of Indian Industry which will take place 15 to 19 October in Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune.

Danish innovation and design increase sales

The aim of the tour is to put more focus on strong Danish competencies within industrial design and innovation. As companies are facing increasing pressure to reduce their costs of productions, they have to think of new ways to create more innovative and creative products offering more value to their customers. And this is where Indian companies can learn from Denmark, says Shanker Subramaniam, Senior Investment Manager of Invest in Denmark, who is leading the tour.

- “Global companies can be inspired by the power of Danish design and use it in their business strategy to become more successful. Denmark is globally renowned for its long and proud design tradition, and it is a powerful hub for business, organisations and academic institutions in the creative fields,” he adds.

Top industrial designers share their knowhow

Eskild Hansen, who is part of a new generation of internationally recognised Danish designers, will be a key note speaker on the tour along with Vinay Venkatraman from Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID). Eskild Hansen is Global Director of Design at Coloplast, a leading Danish medico company developing products and services that make life simpler for people with very private and personal medical conditions and is former Head of Cisco's European Design Center.

Vinay Venkatraman is trained as a product and interaction designer in India and Italy and helped shape product strategies for companies like Nokia, Philips and Novo Nordisk. In the past his work has spanned from design of consumer products to software and film visual effects.

About Danish design

Modern Danish Design emerged in the 1950s as a design movement stressing the idea that beautiful and functional everyday objects should be affordable to the masses. Today, Danish design is recognized and acclaimed around the globe. Architects, designers and business flock to Denmark each year to study the Danish approach to design and Copenhagen is now viewed as one of the leading design capitals in the world.

About the event

Dates & Venues

•Monday 15 October - Mumbai

•Tuesday 16 October – Bangalore

•Friday 19 October – Pune

Agenda for all three venues 11:30 – 14:30

11:30 – 12:00 Registration

12:00 – 12:10 Welcome and introduction Henrik Brandt Jensen Regional director Invest in Denmark, Shanghai

12:10 – 12:40: Powered by Design – the New Nature of Innovation, Key note speaker Eskild Hansen, Coloplast global director of design

12:40 – 13:10: Innovation for an Experience Economy – the Interplay Between Technology and Design Excellence, Key note speaker Vinay Venkatraman, CIID co-founder and partner

13:10 – 13:30 Q&A

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch and networking

For further information and registering, please contact Shanker Subramaniam, Senior Investment Manager at Invest in Denmark at shasub@um.dk or +91 99000 80294

World's first test center for mega wind turbines opens in Denmark

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:33:00 +0200

An answer to the world’s need for more renewable energy is to develop larger wind turbines that produce significantly more energy. To achieve exactly this, Denmark inaugurates a test centre that can make the next generation of mega wind turbines a reality. The first wind turbine to be tested measures 197 meters, but the facility can handle wind turbines up to 250 meters.

Denmark ideal location for wind energy R&D

Denmark has a very ambitious energy policy heading for 50% of Denmark's energy consumption in 2020 to be covered by wind turbine electricity and with the aim of being entirely free of fossil fuels by 2050. As part of this objective, the Danish government last year decided to establish a new prototype wind turbine test centre near Oesterild in the western part of Denmark. The Danish Technical University was appointed to be head of the establishment and operation of the new state-owned wind turbine test facility.

DTU President Anders Bjarklev says in a press release:

- “So far, the test centre is the only place in the world for testing the mega wind turbines of the future. Here, DTU researchers can continue their strong partnership with the wind industry, which has given Denmark a world-leading position within the development of new wind turbine technology.”

A wind turbine is much more than a tower with blades; it is a complex piece of high-tech machinery with up to 20,000 components that must interact for the turbine to produce a high power output. The location of the coastal plantation Oesterild and its weather conditions make it a perfect wind turbine test site.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Pia Olsen Dyhr says:

- ”I am convinced that the new test centre Oesterild will play a significant role in the development of the next generation of wind turbines, and I am looking forward to the benefit this can have for Danish based wind power companies and consumers worldwide.”

- “The constant innovation in the wind energy cluster in Denmark is the reason why foreign cleantech companies continue to establish R&D and production in Denmark to grow their global business.”

The Danish Minister for the Environment as well as Vestas CEO Ditlev Engel and Henrik Stiesdal, Chief Technology Officer at Siemens Wind Power will attend the ceremony.

Test stands open for tenders

The test centre features a total of seven test stands. Both Vestas and Siemens have bought two stands, and Siemens has already erected a 197-meter turbine on one of them. DTU disposes of the last three stands, of which one has been leased to the Chinese wind power company Envision Energy, and two are currently put out to tender.

Deputy Head of DTU Wind Energy, Peter Hjuler Jensen says:

- ”Test centre Oesterild will become a great base for DTU’s research activities within meteorology, wind turbine technology, and, not least grid connection which is vital in order for the electricity to reach consumers effectively.”

The inauguration tomorrow is open to the public. Find further information at dtu.dk.

Large Danish health IT delegation exploring China

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:19:00 +0200

China is facing great challenges within health care and is increasingly looking for innovative solutions within health IT, which are long term and efficient. Especially in such areas as telemedicine, mobile technology and data management. Therefore, health care is central to the present 12th Five-Year Plan, and China aims to increase the number of public hospitals in China by 5,000 over the next 30 years.

Denmark is a pioneer when it comes to welfare technology and the use of IT within the healthcare sector. The delegation to China this week is meant to ensure that Danish Health IT companies and institutions can play a part in the challenges China face within this area.

Innovation Centre Denmark and Invest in Denmark, part of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are co-organizing the delegation and Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr explains why the visit has great potential for Danish business and welfare in general:

“China faces great challenges within the welfare sector, which Denmark can help to solve. This delegation is a unique opportunity for Danish sector experts to get the necessary knowledge and understanding of concrete needs and opportunities within the health IT sector in China and gain contacts that can lead to collaboration with Chinese companies and institutions.”

A few examples of the challenges China faces :

The provision of one health system in a country with the geographical size of Europe
China doesn’t have a layer of general practitioners. All consultations and treatments take place at hospitals.
Traditionally, elderly people are being looked after at home. This poses a huge challenge as China’s population is aging due to its 4-2-1 societal structure with four grandparents, two parents and one child as a consequence of the on child-policy.
China is increasingly experiencing challenges similar to what we know from Denmark of addressing chronic diseases as diabetes and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Niels Ejskjær, MD PhD and assistant Professor at Aarhus University Hospital and participant at the delegation explains why they wish to explore this sector in China:

“We wish to form concrete connections and lay the foundation for future collaboration and joint projects with the Chinese. That is why we are participating. We have the opportunity to brand Denmark as a world leader within transformation of service, and also a chance to turn everything upside down and look into if China can teach us something about the clinical needs we deal with. Furthermore the delegation forms a networking group between the participants and bridge to Chinese counterparts. This can potentially lead to opportunities for development for both Denmark and China,” he says.

It is The National Partnership UNIK (Use of New Technologies in Innovative Solutions for Chronic Patients), Medico Innovation, GTS and Innovation Centre Denmark in Shanghai that have arranged the first national health IT delegation to China (Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong). It takes place from September 23-28 and 30 representatives from small and larger Danish companies, universities and network organisations will participate in the delegation.

In Shanghai, the delegation will amongst others visit East China Hospital, one of the pilot hospitals within telemedicine in China. as well as MindRay Medical Instruments, the largest med-tech company in China. Furthermore in Shenzhen, several theme based seminars are organized to accommodate the common interest from both companies, universities and hospitals. In Hong Kong the delegation participates in a seminar with focus on med-tech and commercial development of the health-IT sector in China and in addition, companies can join matchmaking and a R&D workshops.

For further information please contact:

Rasmus Duong-Grunnet, Innovation Officer, Innovation Centre Denmark, Shanghai

rasduo@um.dk

Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr visits biotech manufacturer Biogen Idec

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:07:00 +0200

Biogen Idec is a leading global biotechnological company, and is now expanding significantly in Denmark. As a result of an investment in billions, 250 new workers have joined the company during the last year. In total 430 employees are currently working for Biogen Idec in Denmark with among other things the production of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of multiple scleroses.

The Danish Minister for Trade and Investment visits Biogen Idec this Friday as part of a continuous effort to understand and improve conditions for foreign companies in Denmark. The objective is to improve framework conditions and the reception of foreign companies in Denmark.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Pia Olsen Dyhr, says:

- “Foreign companies represent only one per cent of all companies in Denmark, but employ 20 per cent of all employees in the private sector. This underlines the importance of attracting more foreign investments, and assuring that we do our utmost to offer foreign companies the best conditions here in Denmark.”

- “Our flexible and highly skilled workforce combined with efficient local and regional administration form an ideal platform for a company like Biogen Idec, and their expansion here in Denmark proves that our leading Medicon Valley is truly attractive for international biotech companies.”

Invest in Denmark and Copenhagen Capacity have assisted Biogen Idec all the way through, from benchmarks comparing Denmark to other European locations, to finding the right service providers and facilitating a dialogue with officials.

Biogen Idec is a global biotechnological company that develops, manufactures and markets biological products for the treatment of serious diseases with a focus on neurological disorders.

Biogen Idec’s CEO in Denmark Esther Alegria from the US explains:

- “Biogen Idec appreciates the highly skilled Danish workers, but also the Danish ability to cooperate, where employees are permanently contributing with improvements to the production process. We wouldn’t have come this far without a close and efficient cooperation with the local and regional administration and other public institutions as it happens here in Denmark.”

The company also emphasizes the Danish-Swedish Life Science cluster Medicon Valley as essential to the decision of choosing Denmark as location for their European production.

Background

Biogen Idec made the decision to establish production facilities in Denmark in 2001, and has since built a large and sophisticated production facility in Hillerød, a long-term investment of around 700 million USD. Within the past year Biogen Idec has gone from 180 to 430 employees in Hillerød.

Biogen Idec was founded in USA in 1978 and is among the world's oldest and largest independent biotechnological companies. In 2011 Biogen Idec had revenues of more than 5 billion USD of which approx. 25 per cent are used in the research and development of new drugs. Biogen Idec is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and employs more than 5.000 employees globally.

Biogen Idec Manufacturing ApS in Hillerød is a strategically important part of Biogen Idec's global supply network. The international production site in Denmark is serving all markets in the world except the US and Canada with biological drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Bio-oil Research at Aalborg University Moves to the International Top

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:46:00 +0200

Reduced CO2 emissions! Such is the demand to the transport sector, and the answer to the challenge may consist of three letters: HTL, which stands for Hydro Thermal Liquefaction. HTL is a method that can transform byproducts from agriculture and forestry (such as liquid manure or straw) into bio-oil through a process where the byproducts are exposed to temperatures between 250 and 450 degrees and a pressure of 100-350 bar. The technology is known but thus far tested only in small plants that have provided far from optimal conditions for learning more about the process and how to get the most oil out of the effort.

- “But with the grant of 3.5 million DKK (approximately 470,000 Euro) from the Obel Family Foundation and similar funding from Aalborg University’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, we have the opportunity to establish a bio-oil facility of the highest international standard. The facility will provide us with valuable knowledge on how best to convert biomaterial to bio-oil. The conversion is close to CO2 neutral, and since the oil can be upgraded and used in the transport sector, it could reduce CO2 emissions significantly and give the sector a greener profile. The potential is at least on the level of e.g. bioethanol and conventional biodiesel, perhaps even greater,” says Professor Lasse Rosendahl from Aalborg University's Department of Energy Technology.

Exemplary public-private collaboration

In parallel with this, the EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program) has funded a pilot project on demonstration and scaling of HTL technology where the new bio-oil facility will be used for testing. The development company Steeper Energy has received a good 6 million DKK to implement the EUDP project.

- “It’s a very promising technology, and if the technology lives up to expectations a large-scale demonstration plant and a market breakthrough appear possible in the relatively short term. The EUDP project should clarify this. The project is an exemplary collaboration between universities and private development companies,” says Nicolai Zarganis, head of the secretariat of the EUDP program.

Project Manager Narcis Margall from Invest in Denmark agrees:
-“Denmark is already renowned for its world leading bioenergy cluster and demonstration ground for the last and more advanced technology developments in this field. This new facility is a perfect example of our ability to create triple axis cooperation in R&D, which is one of the many advantages Denmark offers to the bioenergy stakeholders, both domestic and foreign.”

And in the somewhat longer term, the new initiative can have great significance for the transport sector.

- “In contrast to the production of bioethanol or biodiesel, where only a portion of the biomass is converted, HTL gives, beyond compare, the largest yield per input since the entire biomass is converted. HTL is very flexible in terms of the biomass used to make bio-oil. Particularly interesting is the fact that HTL can also use low-value biomass in the form of wet waste streams, such as liquid manure or waste water sludge, and this can help to keep the price of the final product down and thus make it more competitive,” says Lasse Rosendahl.

Full-scale plant gives ideal conditions for R&D

The facility resembles a full-scale plant, and the new facility offers fantastic opportunities, making it central to Aalborg University's efforts in this field of research.

- “So far we have only been able to make fairly small quantities of oil at a time, and it has meant a disproportionately large amount of time to heat the mass and later cool it down, making the actual processing conditions somewhat diffuse. With the new facility, we can continuously deliver biomass to the facility without stopping the system, ensuring constant and well-defined process conditions to convert biomass to oil. This provides significantly better conditions for parametric studies of the process and which biomaterials are best for making bio-oil under a given set of process conditions. And now we can produce such large quantities that we can also work with and test the final bio-fuels, which we can do in the engines and turbines we have purchased for just that purpose,” says Lasse Rosendahl.

The facility is expected to be installed at the beginning of 2013. Researchers from Aarhus University’s Department of Chemistry are also part of the collaboration, which also has participation from the business community. In addition to being the facility supplier, Steeper Energy rents the facility part of the time to conduct studies and document the commercial potential.

-“We are pleased that we have succeeded in creating facilities and a research environment of an internationally high standard in the form of a private-public cooperation. We see great potential in the collaboration that constitutes an essential element of our further process development, documentation and commercialization of our Hydrofaction^TM technology,” says Steen Brummerstedt Iversen, Chief Technical Officer at Steeper Energy ApS.

Further further information please contact Professor Lasse Rosendahl from the Energy Department at Aalborg University at +45 2145 1114 or lar@et.aau.dk or Project Manager Narcis Margall from Invest in Denmark at +45 3392 0117 or narmar@um.dk.