Denmark Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in denmark, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Healthcare and Lifescience Products and Services
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Overview

The Danish healthcare and life sciences sector is a global powerhouse, renowned for its strong R&D, advanced digital infrastructure, and close collaboration between the public and private sectors. The government’s Strategy for Life Science aims to strengthen the entire value chain, from research to treatment, and has made the sector a cornerstone of the Danish economy. Exports of life science products are a significant driver of national growth, even as the broader economy faces a projected slowdown in 2026. The healthcare system itself is undergoing a major modernization, with new hospital projects and substantial funding for technological upgrades and the adoption of innovative solutions to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. The overarching goal is to free up thousands of full-time healthcare employees by 2030 through the implementation of effective, labor-saving solutions.

Best Prospects

  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals: This sub-sector is a major economic driver, with giants like Novo Nordisk leading the charge. The market is projected to grow to $4.05 billion in 2025, driven by a solid domestic demand for therapies for chronic diseases and aggressive export growth. A key trend is the shift towards biologics and biosimilars, which are seeing the fastest growth. Denmark’s expertise in this area is supported by a robust ecosystem of biotech startups, particularly in the Greater Copenhagen area. The Danish government and private sector are emphasizing “biosolutions” – industrial technologies that use biological components like bacteria and enzymes to replace fossil-based processes – as key areas for future growth.  Invest in Denmark reported this sector generated €5.3 billion in 2024 for Denmark,. The government is also working to position Denmark as one of Europe’s most attractive countries for life science manufacturing and engaging at the EU level to advocate for simplification of regulations in this area.
  • Medical Devices and Medtech: Denmark is a leader in medical devices, with a strong focus on advanced, patient-centric solutions. The smart medical devices market is projected to grow significantly over the next five years, driven by the increasing use of AI-optimized medical devices, wearable technology, and 3D printing in medical applications. The Danish government has established a Quality Fund for Hospitals to procure new medical technologies, and a new welfare technology network is being built to integrate innovative solutions that optimize patient care and reduce the need for physical visits.
  • Digital Health (E-health): Denmark has one of the world’s most digitalized healthcare systems making it an ideal environment for e-health solutions. Common IT standards enable seamless electronic communication and data sharing across hospitals, GPs, specialists, pharmacies, laboratories, and home care services, resulting in improved patient safety, treatment outcomes, and efficiency. With nearly universal use of electronic prescriptions, referrals, and health records, as well as nationwide platforms like the Shared Medication Record and Sundhed.dk, Denmark has built a robust digital foundation. Facing demographic pressures such as an ageing population, rising chronic disease, and staff shortages, Denmark’s next step is to expand digital health solutions and home treatment options that empower patients, free up resources, and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system, making digital health one of the country’s most promising growth sectors.

Opportunities
 

The Danish healthcare and life sciences market offers several opportunities for U.S. companies, particularly those with innovative products and solutions:

  • Public-Private Partnerships: The Danish government actively promotes collaboration between public hospitals and private companies, viewing it as a way to “change the healthcare sector.” New policies and reforms provide incentives for hospitals to engage in long-term, strategic partnerships, making them a key partner for U.S. firms. Foreign companies can seek opportunities to co-develop or test new technologies within Denmark’s advanced public health system, with a particular focus on solutions that can save labor and improve efficiency. A new visitor center, “Nation of Health - Innovation District Copenhagen,” was opened in 2025 to promote these collaborations and attract international investment.
  • Clinical Trials and Research: Denmark offers a highly efficient environment for clinical trials due to a well-established network and a high level of public-private collaboration. The public healthcare system’s comprehensive data, from a single patient identification number, is a major asset for foreign companies looking to conduct clinical research and validate their products. Through Trial Nation, Denmark’s one point of entry, foreign companies can streamline and accelerate the process of conducting clinical trials. Denmark is also working to become a global frontrunner in decentralized clinical trials, which use remote technologies to improve patient access and data collection.
  • Digital and AI Solutions: The government’s new health reform calls for a strong digital and data-supported healthcare system. This creates a high demand for advanced digital health solutions, including AI-driven diagnostic tools, telehealth platforms, and digital solutions that support remote patient monitoring and care. U.S. companies with expertise in these areas can find a receptive market ready to adopt new technologies that can improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

Resources

  • Healthcare Denmark
  • Strategy for life science towards 2030
  • Digitalisation in Danish Healthcare
  • Medtech Denmark
  • The Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Trial Nation
  • For further information, please contact Maria Norsk, Commercial Specialist

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