Denmark - Country Commercial Guide
Smart Cities
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Overview

In light of population growth, urbanization, and climate change, public authorities and companies are focusing on mitigating global challenges by implementing sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centered solutions in growing urban environments.  An approach that has gradually become more popular to develop more sustainable and efficient cities is the “Smart City” approach. 

  • Denmark is among the leading European nations in advancing Smart City initiatives.  In particular, Copenhagen and Aarhus are far along in implementing these initiatives.  Copenhagen expends efforts to use data as a tool to create a greener city and higher quality of life for its citizens. 
  • The report “Mapping Smart Cities in the EU” (PDF) indicates that Denmark is among the countries with the highest proportion of Smart Cities.  More specifically, the report ranks Denmark as number one together with Sweden, Estonia, and Slovenia as the countries with the largest share of major cities that can be characterized as Smart Cities.

Market Challenges

  • AnchorAnchorAnchorChallenges are primarily related to competition and/or the ability to find the right partner and mode of entry.  A significant body of relevant legislation is determined at the EU level.

Market Opportunities

Danish cities are investing substantially in intelligent lighting and transport systems, climate adaptation, energy renovation and retrofitting, smart grid technology, and digitalization of social and health care services.  Denmark is an opportune environment to test Smart City solutions.

Market Entry Strategy

  • One way for U.S. firms to enter the market is to establish partnerships with public authorities, research institutions, and other organizations that work with Smart City solutions.  Unless a significant local presence is established, finding a strong local partner with the right network and access to decision makers is a must.  The first step would be to become part of a Smart City project or pilot.  Major U.S. and Japanese technology firms have established partnerships with the city of Copenhagen. Copenhagen’s partnership with Hitachi entailed that the company can use the city as a Big Data laboratory. 

Resources

For further information, please contact Aleksander Moos, Commercial Specialist