Innovation and internationalisation

Climate change is rightly topping agendas all over the globe, and in December the eyes of the world will be on Denmark, which is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen. How is Denmark preparing itself to host this event? And what issues are high on the agendas of world leaders? The answers are revealed in the article ’Humbly hosting a crucial conference’.

But there are other global challenges besides climate change. One of them is the growing elderly population – especially in industrialised countries – whose need for nursing services will increase while there are fewer young people to provide them. But loving care must be provided. In Denmark there is a strong focus on technical solutions, also called ’welfare technology’, which can release time and resources for the softer side of care. Denmark has had to adjust to demographic changes earlier than many other OECD countries, forcing politicians, companies and researchers to think in technologically new welfare solutions. This has given Denmark a strong position in this business area, to which we devote an article in this issue.

The Danish shipping industry also focuses on innovation – innovation that can reduce fuel consumption. Over the last twenty years innovation in shipping companies has brought down wage costs. Today, even the biggest ships can be operated by about 15 people. Now the increase in fuel prices has shifted the focus to innovation that can reduce fuel consumption. By keeping down fuel consumption, shipping companies not only save money but also reduce the burden on the environment.

Although Denmark is a small country of 5.5 million people, both the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark can claim to be world-class. In general, the Danish educational institutions have an international mindset and work tirelessly to give foreign students and researchers high quality studies and a rewarding working life in Denmark.

All these things, and more, are explored in this issue of Focus Denmark.

Enjoy the read.