Invest in Denmark: Your gateway to Europe’s booming industries

Why global companies are choosing Denmark for strategic growth

Denmark stands out as one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for foreign investment. Known for its economic stability, world-class innovation, and ease of doing business, the country offers far more than a friendly business climate, it offers access to some of Europe’s fastest-growing industries.

From advanced pharmaceuticals to renewable energy and fintech, Denmark is home to a thriving ecosystem where innovation meets opportunity. Backed by robust government support, a skilled workforce, and a highly digitized infrastructure, Denmark is not just adapting to global trends, it's setting them.

This guide explores the top 10 high-growth sectors in Denmark that are drawing international attention. Based on insights from official Danish economic data and industry reports, we break down the key sectors that offer unmatched potential for foreign companies looking to expand in Europe.

Whether you're in tech, manufacturing, green energy, or beyond, investing in Denmark means positioning your business at the heart of Europe’s innovation economy.

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1. Invest in Denmark’s life sciences & pharmaceutical sector

Denmark’s life sciences industry is not just thriving, it’s powering the nation’s economy. With a globally recognized pharmaceutical ecosystem, cutting-edge research institutions, and a strong talent pipeline, Denmark has become a top destination for biotech and pharma investment in Europe.

Home to giants like Novo Nordisk and a vibrant landscape of biotech startups, the sector offers exceptional opportunities for companies looking to scale innovation and make a global healthcare impact.

Key reasons to invest in Denmark’s life sciences sector

• Massive Economic Contribution
  Production in this sector has nearly tripled in recent years, now accounting for over half of Denmark’s total economic growth, a testament to its central role in national prosperity.
• Global Export Leader
  Life sciences products make up around 20% of all Danish exports. Sector exports have tripled since 2008, reaching DKK 151 billion in 2020, driven by international demand for Danish innovation.
• Specialized Workforce
  With over 49,000 employees, this sector is a key source of high-skilled jobs and a major contributor to Denmark’s high employment rates.
• R&D Powerhouse
  Denmark ranks 7th in Europe for pharmaceutical R&D spending, reflecting deep investment in long-term innovation and scientific leadership.
• Strong Market Growth Forecast
  The pharmaceutical market is projected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2030, reaching USD 4.76 billion, a healthy, expanding market for global players.
• The Novo Nordisk Effect
  In 2024, pharma growth (largely driven by Novo Nordisk) contributed a staggering 55% of Denmark’s GDP growth and 20% of national job growth highlighting the direct impact of anchor companies.

Why choose Denmark for your pharma expansion?

Denmark offers a world-class research environment, predictable regulation, and a workforce fluent in both science and international business. Whether you're a global pharma brand or a scaling biotech firm, investing in Denmark means joining a high-performing ecosystem with global reach.

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2. Invest in Denmark’s Renewable Energy & Cleantech Sector

Denmark isn’t just part of the green transition, it’s leading it. As one of the world’s most ambitious and innovative countries in climate action, Denmark’s renewable energy and cleantech industry offers unmatched opportunities for international investors, energy developers, and sustainable tech providers.

From offshore wind power to green hydrogen and energy-efficient technologies, investing in Denmark’s green economy means tapping into a mature, fast-growing market backed by strong government support and global demand.

Why Denmark is a global leader in green energy

• 81% of Electricity from Renewables
  In 2022, 81% of Denmark’s electricity came from renewable sources. The country is on track to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2050.
• Top in Wind Power
  Denmark has the highest share of wind electricity among OECD countries. In 2023, wind and solar provided 63% of the country’s electricity, showcasing exceptional infrastructure and reliability.
• Fastest-Growing Export Sector
  Cleantech has been Denmark’s fastest-growing export category since 2010, reflecting global trust in Danish sustainable solutions.
• Massive Offshore Wind Projects
  Denmark is investing heavily in offshore wind, including a $14 billion tender for at least 6 GW, attracting global energy developers and technology providers.
• Green Hydrogen Innovation Hub
  With plans to build 4–6 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030, Denmark is positioning itself as a green hydrogen leader in Europe. Operational large-scale facilities already signal early leadership.

Why invest in Denmark’s green economy?

• Stable, investor-friendly regulatory environment
• End-to-end cleantech value chain: From R&D to manufacturing and export
• Skilled green tech workforce and universities focused on sustainability
• Proximity to key EU markets for energy and sustainability services

Whether you're an energy company, cleantech manufacturer, or climate-tech startup, Denmark offers one of the most advanced and credible platforms for scaling sustainable technologies globally.

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3. Invest in Denmark’s ICT & digital technology sector

Denmark ranks among the most digitized nations in the world and it’s not slowing down. With a tech-forward society, world-class digital infrastructure, and a government that leads in e-governance, Denmark’s ICT sector is a hotspot for innovation, scale-ups, and international investment.

Whether you’re in AI, SaaS, cybersecurity, or digital services, investing in Denmark’s ICT ecosystem means joining a market built for speed, talent, and global digital leadership.

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Why Denmark is a digital frontrunner

• USD 35 Billion Market & Growing
  The ICT industry in Denmark is valued at $35 billion, with projections to grow at a CAGR of 8.36%, reaching $33.31 billion by 2032. A fast-moving, high-value market for software and digital solutions.
• 94% Digital Engagement
  With 94% of the population using online services, Denmark has one of the highest digital adoption rates globally, making it a ready-made testing ground for digital platforms and apps.
• #1 in Global E-Government Rankings
  Denmark has topped the UN E-Government Survey, demonstrating global leadership in public sector digitalization and setting a standard for seamless B2G and B2B digital environments.
• Skilled & Digital-Savvy Workforce
  In 2023, 69.6% of Danes had basic or advanced digital skills, far surpassing the EU average. The talent pool is highly trained and globally competitive.
• Booming Cybersecurity Market
  With digital growth comes digital risk- and demand. Denmark’s cybersecurity sector is projected to reach USD 383.5 million by 2029, growing at nearly 10% annually, opening vast opportunities for solution providers.

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Why global tech companies choose Denmark

• Fast integration into EU tech and data markets
• Transparent, innovation-friendly regulation
• Easy testing and scaling of digital services
• Fluent English-speaking population and startup-ready ecosystem
• Government incentives for tech R&D

From startups to multinationals, Denmark’s ICT sector offers the infrastructure, market readiness, and regulatory clarity needed to innovate and expand in Europe.

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4. Invest in Denmark’s food, agri-tech & biosolutions sector

Denmark is redefining the future of sustainable food systems. As a global leader in organic agriculture, precision farming, and biosolutions, the country combines tradition with cutting-edge innovation, making it a strategic destination for companies in food tech, agri-innovation, and environmental biosciences.

Whether you're scaling sustainable food production or building the next-generation agri-tech solution, investing in Denmark’s farm-to-fork ecosystem gives you direct access to one of Europe’s most advanced and future-focused agricultural economies.

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Why Denmark leads in sustainable agri-innovation

• US$23.97 Billion Food Market
  Denmark’s food sector is projected to hit nearly $24 billion by 2025, with a 4.31% CAGR through 2030, highlighting strong, stable growth.
• Manufacturing Expansion
  Food manufacturing in Denmark has grown at a 5.5% CAGR from 2019–2024, driven by efficiency, quality, and sustainability innovation.
• #1 Organic Market Share in the World
  With 13% of retail trade in organic products, Denmark leads globally in organic consumption, fueled by environmentally conscious consumers and forward-thinking regulation.
• Agri-Tech Startup Ecosystem
  From drone-enabled crop monitoring to precision irrigation, Denmark is home to 134 Agri-Tech startups, with 57 actively funded, making it a true hub for agricultural innovation.
• Biosolutions Powerhouse
  Denmark’s biosolutions sector, merging biology and technology to solve sustainability challenges, contributed €1.8 billion to GDP in 2020. It’s expected to triple in size by 2030, reaching over DKK 105 billion, in sync with a global EUR 560B market.

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Why global agri-tech and food innovators choose Denmark

• Strong alignment with EU climate and food safety regulations
• Government and consumer commitment to sustainability
• R&D collaborations across universities, tech parks, and farms
• Early-adopter market with global export potential
• Ideal testing ground for sustainable, health-conscious food systems

From organic goods and green manufacturing to breakthrough biosolutions, Denmark offers the full spectrum of sustainable innovation for companies committed to shaping the future of global food.

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5. Invest in Denmark’s advanced manufacturing & robotics sector

Denmark is fast becoming a European leader in smart manufacturing and industrial automation. With deep expertise in robotics, AI-powered production, and sustainable manufacturing processes, the country offers an exceptional environment for businesses ready to automate, digitize, and scale.

From collaborative robots (cobots) to high-performance production software, investing in Denmark’s advanced manufacturing sector means joining a tech-enabled ecosystem backed by innovation, talent, and public-private collaboration.

Key drivers of growth in Danish manufacturing & robotics

• 13.13% Industry Growth
  Denmark’s manufacturing sector saw double-digit growth in 2024, confirming a strong foundation for high-value, future-ready production.
• Robotics Boom
  The industrial robotics segment is projected to reach USD 194.67 million in 2025, part of a broader USD 274.95 million robotics market.
• Workforce Growth
  The robotics, automation, and drone industry now employs over 18,500 professionals, growing by 9% in just one year.
• Odense: Europe’s Cobotics Capital
  Home to over 150 robotics companies, Odense is a globally recognized cluster that accelerates R&D, commercialization, and hiring.
• Smart Automation Software on the Rise
  Denmark’s robot software market is expected to reach USD 510.9 million by 2030, growing at a 25.9% CAGR, a clear indicator of intelligent automation demand.

Why choose Denmark for smart manufacturing?

• World-class robotics R&D and export capabilities
• Seamless collaboration between industry and universities
• Access to EU markets, IP protections, and clean energy
• Strong sustainability and circular economy focus
• Reliable digital infrastructure for connected factories

If you're building the factory of the future, Denmark is where efficiency, talent, and innovation converge.

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Conclusion

Denmark isn’t just a destination, it’s a launchpad for growth. With world-class infrastructure, strong government support, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, it’s no surprise that more global companies are choosing Denmark to expand their European footprint.

Whether you're in pharma, cleantech, ICT, agri-tech, or advanced manufacturing, Denmark offers:

• A highly digitized, stable, and transparent business environment
• Access to top-tier talent and cutting-edge R&D
• A gateway to the EU's 450+ million consumer market
• A sustainable, future-focused regulatory and market landscape