Denmark's national strategy for digitalisation - a helpful template

Denmark's 2022 National Strategy for Digitalisation - Together in the digital development, provides a helpful example of the approach taken by one of the worlds leading digital nations.

The strategy notes that Denmark is trying to manage the rapid pace of digital development influenced by trends like escalating cyber threats, global instability, and climate change. This is on top of all of national level challenges such as an ageing population, resource scarcity, and the need to build an inclusive society.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the country’s ability to tackle major crises while emphasising digitalisation as a key tool. As one of the world’s most digitalized nations, Denmark is well-positioned to leverage digital opportunities, however key challenges lie in deploying technological solutions beneficial to everyone. In response, the government has subsequently expanded its strategic approach to include a stronger blend of the public and private sectors.

In 2021, the government established the Danish Government Digitisation Partnership, which presented 46 recommendations for advancing digital initiatives (see below). Building on these recommendations, Denmark’s National Strategy for Digitalisation committed over DKK 2 billion over five years to further develop the digital society, benefiting citizens and businesses.

The overarching ambition has been to keep Denmark at the forefront of digital innovation while enhancing welfare, driving the green transition, and boosting growth and exports. Simultaneously, the country is seeking to fortify its defences against cyber threats and make strategic investments to enable digital transformation, inclusivity, the ethical use of technology and data.

The strategy sets a clear direction for Denmark’s digital future, focusing on immediate solutions while laying the groundwork for long-term progress. It calls for strong collaboration between public and private sectors, civil society, and the research community to 'collectively shape Denmark’s digital journey and build a resilient digital future'.

Key highlights of the strategy

The Strategy outlines Denmark's comprehensive vision for an efficient, and innovative public sector. The strategy emphasizes accessible public services, seamless data-sharing, and secure processes for citizens and businesses.

The Strategy has nine key visions that include:

1. Strengthened cyber and information security: This vision focuses on enhancing Denmark's cybersecurity to protect citizens, businesses, and government systems from evolving threats. It emphasizes the importance of resilient digital infrastructure and safeguarding sensitive data.

2. Coherent service for citizens and businesses: This vision aims to deliver seamless and user-friendly digital services that connect the public and private sectors. The goal is to simplify interactions for both citizens and businesses by improving accessibility and integrating various services.

3. More time for welfare through increased use of new technology: This vision prioritizes efficiency in public welfare services through automation and digital tools. By leveraging technology, more resources can be allocated directly to welfare services, reducing administrative burdens.

4. Increased growth and digital SMEs: This vision focuses on boosting economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation. The aim is to enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and integration into the global digital economy.

5. Digital healthcare of the future: This vision seeks to modernize healthcare services with digital solutions. The objective is to provide better, faster, and more personalised care through advanced technologies like telemedicine and health data integration.

6. Acceleration of the green transition through digital solutions: This vision promotes the use of digital technologies to support environmental sustainability. It encourages innovation in green energy, efficient resource management, and the reduction of carbon footprints through digitalisation.

7. A strong, ethical, and responsible digital foundation: This vision emphasises the ethical use of digital technologies and data. It advocates for responsible digital practices, transparency, and ensuring that technology aligns with societal values.

8. Denmark at the centre of international digitalisation: This vision positions Denmark as a global leader in digitalization by promoting international cooperation, setting global standards, and influencing digital policies on the international stage.

9. A population ready for a digital future: This vision focuses on equipping citizens with the skills and competencies needed for the digital age. It prioritizes lifelong learning and ensures that all segments of society can participate in the digital economy.

List of initiatives in the National Strategy for Digitalisation for 2022-2026

VISION 1 - Strengthened cyber and information security

1. National Strategy for Cyber and Information Security. The strategy will strengthen Denmark's digital security and is aimed at authorities, businesses and citizens. The strategy sets out a number of new security requirements for ministerial areas that are in charge of essential functions or critical IT systems. Furthermore, the strategy launches a series of actions focused on increasing the level of competency and leadership in cyber and information security. The strategy also focuses on building knowledge among citizens and businesses, for example by strengthening the information portal sikkerdigital.dk.

2. Strategic action for the development of quantum technology in Denmark. The government and the parties in the Danish Parliament agree that a Danish strategy for quantum research should be prepared. Quantum research is currently a strength and in addition to the research and innovation strategy, the government will take the initiative to develop a broad national strategy for the development and commercialisation of the technology by industry. The purpose of this work is to ensure that significant economic benefits can be reaped and that quantum technology gets a key role in delivering the recommendations of the digitisation partnership. . ­

3. Small Medium sized Enterprise (SME): A new digital fund to strengthen businesses' defences against cyber-attacks Support for consultancy on how SMEs can strengthen digital security, including how to manage data, processes and systems, for example through a certification or labelling scheme. The DKK 50 million fund was announced in March 2022.

4. Strengthening digital literacy among children and young people This initiative includes the Digital Traffic Club for Children and Young People, which is to equip children and young people to navigate the Internet safely and securely. This includes the development of teaching materials and programmes on digital literacy that teachers and educators can use as inspiration in their teaching as well as school patrols for digital road safety, where students, teachers, educators and parents are trained and appointed to support a healthy digital culture in the country's educational institutions. ­

5. Cyber security pact with private sector players. The government is entering into a cyber security pact with a number of private sector players. The parties will initiate and coordinate efforts to strengthen cyber security in Danish businesses, to share knowledge about digital threats and to cooperate to ensure synergy in the efforts to ensure the cyber defence of Danish businesses.

VISION 2 - Coherent service for citizens and businesses

6. Activities for digital inclusion to be strengthened. Public services must be accessible to all. Therefore, digitally challenged citizens must be offered the help and guidance necessary to be able to navigate confidently in the digital public sector. In addition, the people who provide digital assistance must be given the right tools and be adequately equipped to help. This must help to ensure that all Danes can easily and safely use digital services.

7. Coherent case flow through data sharing vulnerable citizens, and especially those with complex cases, must be guaranteed more coherent case flows and services. This particularly applies to vulnerable children and young people and their families, whose cases cut across municipalities, the healthcare sector and central­ government authorities. This requires, among other things, improved data sharing in cases that cut across authorities and sectors. This work must clarify the legal framework and counteract barriers to efficient and responsible data sharing between authorities.

8. Easy and secure administration of consent. It must be easy and safe for citizens to give and withdraw consent for data to be shared across public authorities. The development of a consent solution will help ensure coherent case flows and will also be a crucial step towards giving citizens a simple and trustworthy way of giving consent for their data to be shared with public authorities. Common standards and a coherent consent infrastructure must therefore be established.

9. Easy and secure use of powers of attorney. It should be easier to give and receive powers of attorney and thereby easier to use the self-service solutions when in contact with the public sector on your own or on your relatives’ behalf. Common standards and infrastructure for digital powers of attorney in the public sector should therefore be established.

10. A comprehensive and personalised overview for citizens through development of Mit Overblik (My Overview) Citizens must have a single and more targeted overview of their key information and dealings with the public authorities on Mit Overblik. Mit Overblik on the website borger.dk will be expanded to include more targeted information and guidance tailored to the individual citizen's situation.

11. Improved service and communication via Digital Post. It should be easier to communicate and interact with the public sector, for example when authorities send important messages to citizens or businesses. A more user ­friendly and action ­oriented digital post box must be created to enable citizens to act directly to messages from public authorities, e.g. book an appointment, and to make the authorities' case processing less resource ­intensive.

12. Mit Virk app – help to meet requirements and deadlines. With the Mit Virk app, businesses – especially SMEs – get a comprehensive overview of deadlines and cases at their fingertips and they get notifications when they need to respond to communication from the public authorities. This will make it easier for businesses to interact with the public authorities, which can give them more time to develop their business and minimise the risk of being fined for missed deadlines. At the same time, the authorities will spend less time on reminders and follow­-up. ­

VISION 3 - More time for welfare through increased use of new technology

13. More and better welfare through wider use of new technologies. Digital solutions, automation and optimised use of new technologies and data can help solve societal challenges, such as addressing labour shortage by freeing up resources, improving the quality of public services or contributing to the green transition. The public sector must accelerate the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and a fund of DKK 140 million will be provided to support the implementation and dissemination of concrete technology solutions across central government, municipalities and regions or in individual sectors.

14. Video communication with the public authorities. In a busy everyday life, citizens must have access to more flexible services such as video conferencing when they need to interact with the public sector. Increased use of video communication creates a more accessible and modern public sector. The first step is to collect experience of using video communication in public authorities to be able to offer video communication as a supplement to physical meetings in more areas of the public sector. ­

15. Strengthened Danish language technology. The development of Danish language technology must be strengthened. This initiative is to support Danish businesses in developing artificial intelligence in Danish and thus contribute to growth and innovation and the development of solutions that target the Danish market.

16. 10-year plan for new technologies in the public sector. New technological solutions must free up time and labour in the public sector. A long-­term, targeted effort is therefore being started to expand new technology in the public sector in order to free up more time for citizen welfare, equivalent to 10,000 full-time jobs over a 10-year period, and to help to solve labour shortage in the public sector.

17. More digital innovation and new solutions through the National Centre for Public-Private Sector Innovation (CO-PI). CO­PI is a national centre that has been established to strengthen public­-private sector cooperation on innovative solutions, e.g. by collecting and disseminating knowledge on public-­private sector cooperation, innovative and flexible tendering and by creating increased dialogue between public authorities and private businesses. CO­PI has a focus on green transition, sustainable construction and technology that supports welfare.

18. National plan for movement data. A movement data plan will be prepared to ensure an optimum foundation for automation and real­-time planning in Denmark. In order to realise automation across sectors – such as agriculture, transport and public services – good data is required on things that move. This initiative must support the deployment of autonomous vehicles and drones in society.

VISION 4 - Increased growth and digital SMEs

19. Automatic business reporting. Making easier to do business in Denmark and share data with the public sector. By automating the SMEs' accounting processes, up to DKK 3 billion can be saved on bookkeeping and reporting to the authorities.

20. SME-friendly tendering system (MitUdbud). As part of the process of strengthening public­private cooperation, it should be easier and more straightforward for SMEs to submit tenders for public contracts through the development of a national procurement system. This will, among other things, make it easier to find relevant tenders, increase re­use of data and reduce the number of IT systems that businesses need to use.

21. ESG data (MinBæredygtighed). The amount of reporting for green businesses must be reduced through the development of a digital guidance universe for the businesses' sustainability work and for stating ESG data, e.g. through the use of the climate compass. At the same time, businesses will be able to show their sustainability performance through standardised ESG data.

22. A more automated climate compass. A more automated and advanced climate compass will make it more accessible and easier for SMEs to calculate their climate footprint, to plan and initiate CO2-reducing actions and easier for businesses to focus their sustainable transition. ­

23. Strengthened digital transformation of Danish businesses through SME:Digital SME:Digital will be continued and reinforced to accelerate digitalisation, automation and e-commerce in SMEs in Denmark. A reinforced SME:Digital consists of the following four parts: 1) grants for procuring private consultancy on digital potentials, solutions and implementation, 2) investment aid, 3) skills and management development and 4) knowledge and guidance on digital business development. ­

24. Digital green product data (MinGrønForretning). Green product data is continuously standardised and digitised and an efficient IT infrastructure will be established for sharing green product data between businesses, reporting to authorities, etc. This will allow automatic handling of green data in the systems and value chains of various parties, thereby supporting green and circular transition and reducing administrative costs for businesses and public authorities.

25. SMV:Robot Automation. Identified as an area of advantage for Denmark that could generate growth, export and new business opportunities. However, SMEs experience various barriers when investing in new robot solutions. Accordingly, businesses should be able to test robot solutions by borrowing a robot for a short period of time and get advice on how to deploy robots. An online directory will be developed to provide businesses with an overview of robot solutions and guidance on applications targeted at different industries and tasks.

26. National technology transfer. It should be easier for SMEs and entrepreneurs to get access to and use new knowledge and technology from public research. Accordingly, transfer of technology from universities to businesses and entrepreneurs must be strengthened. More specifically, a national effort is to support strategic development work across universities with close involvement of private sector players, focusing on e.g. developing new models for efficient contracting and trading of IP rights as well as developing and providing fast­-track contracting for collaborative and contract research. These actions are based on the recommendations of the Partnership for Knowledge and Growth to strengthen the innovative ecosystem around universities and businesses. ­

27. Intelligent, data-driven and coherent prevention of fraud. Actions against fraud must be strengthened through increased use of new technology to identify businesses intending to commit financial fraud. Based on the Danish Business Authority’s intelligent control platform, security, technical, and legal requirements for strengthened cooperation across authorities on data exchange and technology for advanced data analysis aimed at a more proactive and effective fight against financial crime will be considered and tested.

28. Cross-disciplinary digital and business supervision. Supervision must keep track with the digital development and be based on data, automation and advanced digital solutions. An inter­governmental cooperation will be established, which will apply common methods and tools as part of the supervision effort. This will also ensure more an efficient public control through common digital solutions and data sharing.

29. Flexible and efficient framework for public procurement. This initiative aims at ensuring a more flexible and efficient framework for public procurement, so that private businesses do not have to spend unnecessary time and resources on submitting tenders. The development of a national SME-friendly procurement system will address digital procurement challenges that mainly affect SMEs.

VISION 5 The digital healthcare of the future

30. New technology and citizen-reported data. New technology, digital solutions and use of healthcare data, including the citizen­ reported data, hold great potential for boosting treatment quality and capacity in the Danish healthcare sector. Strategic work will therefore be initiated to ensure better framework conditions and to increase the use of new technologies for treatment, early detection and efficient organization of the healthcare sector. Similarly, a national guide to healthcare apps must be implemented so that citizens and healthcare professionals can easily find relevant apps that they can safely use in their treatment. A direction should also be outlined for technical solutions and regulatory frameworks for how the healthcare sector can and should handle data reported by citizens during their treatment.

31. More treatment at home. Citizens must be offered more treatment in or close to their own home as well as high quality treatment regardless of geographical location. This means increasing the use of telemedicine solutions, such as virtual consultations, home monitoring and patient­reported information especially for vulnerable citizens and chronic patients who are often and regularly in contact with various areas of the healthcare sector. More specifically, the aim is to introduce these technologies in all geographical areas and within all relevant areas of the healthcare sector. ­

32. Modernising digital messaging in the healthcare sector. Fundamental elements of the joint public ­sector digital infrastructure will be strengthened and modernised in order to support coherence in the healthcare sector and continued digital development. This will require modernising digital messaging in the healthcare sector in order to support the current need for health professionals to be able to share relevant healthcare information particularly with transitions between the practice sector, municipalities and hospitals. ­

33. Increased coherence and single point of access to healthcare data. Increased coherence and single point of access to healthcare data will be provided to make it easier for citizens, relatives and healthcare professionals to access and get a better overview of information. Based on common principles for displaying healthcare data across different digital solutions, more healthcare data must be made available to both citizens and healthcare professionals through the healthcare record (Sundhedsjournalen) on the website sundhed.dk. Strategy for Life Science (April 2021) 38 initiatives aiming to ensure that Denmark holds a strong position in the global competition in the life science industry, and that the life science industry to an even greater extent works to the benefit of patients, welfare society and the Danish economy.

VISION 6 - Acceleration of the green transition through digital solutions

34. Climate adaptation – Water from all sides. Comprehensive data­ driven approach to climate adaptation that informs decision­makers of timely and socio­economically optimised investments that minimise the scope of damage, support green transition and digital transformation of the water sector. This initiative consists of six actions that strengthen the hydrological data basis and contribute to socio­economically appropriate climate adaptation and risk reduction.

35. Data-driven transition to a circular economy. Denmark has come far in terms of collecting and using data on waste and other material flows. However, in order to exploit the potential of the circular economy and to ensure maximum recycling in waste treatment, a circular data bank will be established to collect valid data on waste, materials and product content and make them available across value chains and material flows. This will provide a basis for private businesses and the public sector to make material consumption more efficient, minimise waste and implement initiatives that support new material cycles.

36. Establishment and operation of a Utility Digitisation Programme. Through cross-­sector collaboration on data and digitalisation in the utilities sector, Denmark will be able to realise the green transition in a more cost­ effective and quicker way that creates value. A Utility Digitisation Programme will therefore be established to drive progress towards a coherent green utilities sector that makes better use of resources and infrastructure across value chains and supply types.

37. Data support for flood warning system in Denmark. In order to prepare ourselves for future climate change, the first steps will be taken to establish a warning system for extreme weather events in Denmark.

38. Monitoring groundwater and ensuring clean drinking water. Denmark aims to continue to base our drinking water supply on decentralised extraction of clean groundwater. This requires valid, accessible groundwater and drinking water data. The national database for groundwater and drinking water (JUPITER) will therefore be reformed to ensure the necessary knowledge on the quality and quantity of groundwater and drinking water.

39. Better transition to electric cars and alternative fuels through open and standardised data In order to promote the use of alternative fuels in Denmark and help make it easy to drive green throughout Denmark, an IT solution will be established that enables receiving, displaying and distributing standardised data from publicly available infrastructure for the transmission of fossil fuels and alternative fuels.

40. Experiments with intelligent transport systems. In order to improve traffic flows, reduce congestion and optimise traffic management by using real time data and machine learning, an experiment with intelligent transport systems will be initiated to strengthen coherent, coordinated and digitalised traffic management. ­

41. Incentive-driven use of the road network. In order to ensure less congestion and better mobility on the roads, technical and administrative solutions needed to implement incentive­driven use of the road network will be developed. Specifically, this must be done through a development trial with road pricing for passenger cars.

42. Green data processing and storage. We must ensure that the public sector takes the lead in reducing the adverse climate and environ mental impact of digitalisation. As a first step, mapping will be undertaken to test and extend the EU’s green public procurement criteria for public procurement of data processing and storage. ­

43. Danish Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure. The foundation for the green digital development must be strengthened and future­proofed, for example by gathering regulatory responsibility for localised information, basic data, movement data and telecommunications in a new Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure.

VISION 7 - A strong, ethical, and responsible digital foundation

44. A comprehensive data road map for public data. It should be easier for businesses, researchers and authorities to find and re­use public data to drive innovation, development and value. A single overview of available public data will be established. The data road map will offer a searchable overview across the many platforms that host public data.

45. Future-proofing Basic Data as the cornerstone of the public data foundation. Funds will be earmarked for consolidating and developing Basic Data as the key cohesive data foundation for digital Denmark. This will ensure that both authorities and businesses continue to have an authoritative and cohesive data foundation on which to make decisions and create new digital solutions.

46. Strengthening of the Danish Data Ethics Council. As data becomes increasingly important in the continued digitalisation of society, a need exists to address and discuss ethical issues and dilemmas. The Danish Data Ethics Council will therefore continue and be strengthened. The council aims to provide a permanent forum for discussing data ethics issues in the junction between use of new technologies and the citizens' fundamental rights.

47. Continuation of action on business-oriented data ethics. Data ethics and responsible use of data are key topics for many businesses since data ethics is crucial for trust in the businesses’ use of data and a prerequisite for developing innovative and responsible data­based solutions. The action on business-­oriented data ethics will therefore continue to put focus on data ethics in the use of artificial intelligence and businesses’ use of tracking technologies on their websites and in apps. The work to provide guidelines should be based on Virksomheds guiden’s (Business Guide) theme on data ethics. ­

48. A stronger Danish Data Protection Authority serving a proactive function in society Today, the Danish Data Protection Authority plays a key role in ensuring citizens' rights in a digital society. The Danish Data Protection Authority will therefore be strengthened to be able to undertake a more proactive societal function for the benefit of Danish authorities, businesses and citizens.

49. Strong digital foundation for the public sector. Citizens and businesses should be offered a more coherent digital service through a strong common foundation for public IT solutions. Common architectural principles and widespread standards are to create greater coherence in our systems and make them easier to maintain, develop and replace on an regular basis in the future.

50. Renewed focus on managing central-government IT tasks and spending. An up­ to­ date and stable digital infrastructure is essential for providing stable and good digital ser vices in the future. At the same time, central­ government funds must be spent where they provide the most value when developing IT. Analysis activities must map out central ­government IT tasks and spending with a view to making recommendations for improving the management of the central­government IT spending. ­

51. Continued focus on digital-ready legislation. Legislation must be easy to understand and simple to manage digitally. The work to prepare legislation for digitisation must therefore be continued and strengthened. This will ensure that legislation can be translated into digital solutions in an efficient, secure and ethically responsible way. ­

52. Regulation that promotes the use of new technology. Businesses often encounter administrative costs or unclear and outdated rules when they want to test new technologies and turn them into commercial products. An initiative is therefore being launched to promote the use of new technologies in businesses. The initiative is to help avoid unnecessary barriers in new rules and help businesses that encounter unclear or outdated rules in relation to new technologies so that rules do not become a barrier to innovative businesses.

53. Solution for digitisation of legislative geography. A model and methodology will be developed for extending Retsinformationssystemet (Legislative Information System) with a solution for digitising geography in legislation to create a more accurate basis and promote rule of law in respect of citizens and businesses. Digital legislative geography will make managing and resolving disputes more accurate and efficient.

VISION 8 - Denmark at the centre of international digitalisation

54. Active Danish participation in EU digital programmes. By participating actively in the EU, we will be able to shape digital development and repatriate sig nificant funds from EU programmes. Targeted action is therefore being taken to increase Denmark's involvement in the EU's digital initiatives. This initiative aims to strengthen Danish involvement in the digital agenda for Europe through the establishment of a subsidy fund to repatriate funds from the EU's Digital Europe Programme and the establishment of European Health Data Space. ­

55. Safeguarding Danish interests in the digital agenda for Europe. EU legislation is gaining increasing importance in the digital area and it is crucial that Denmark plays an active role in ensuring that the legislation matches the good experience and solutions created in Denmark. A strengthened effort to impact the digital regulatory agenda and increase involvement in the digital industry policy will be initiated.

56. Better attraction of foreign businesses in new digital growth areas. Denmark is in fierce competition with other countries to attract foreign investment. Efforts are therefore being intensified to attract knowledge ­intensive foreign businesses, investors and talent to Denmark to support Danish positions of strength in new technologies.

57. Strengthened exports and internationalisation of Denmark's digital solutions. Denmark is a frontrunner when it comes to public digitalisation and Danish businesses are among the most digitised in the EU. Several countries are facing major investments in digitising their public services, and there is a great interest in Danish digital solutions. That creates new export potential. To promote the export of Danish digital solutions, a cross­-sectoral task force consisting of public and private sector players will be established to support the export potential, e.g. through authority cooperation. Danish digital solutions must also be showcased in Denmark to strengthen exports and attract talent.

VISION 9 - A population ready for a digital future

58. Technology in primary education. In a digitalised society, students must be able to relate critically and constructively to digital technologies and be prepared to navigate a digital society. A framework for technology in primary education will be created to promote a more practical school and to support the introduction of this proficiency in primary education, the development of teachers' competencies and other implementation actions. ­

59. Technology as a proficiency for teachers. Technology in primary education calls for a strong research, knowledge and teaching environment capable of realising the potential for children, young people and others to become much better equipped in a future digital world. Funds will be earmarked to develop the new proficiency, capacity building, competence development of teachers in the teacher education programme, etc.

60. Digital boost for higher education. To strengthen the digital knowledge, understanding and skills of graduates and the workforce, funding is being earmarked to boost higher education. This effort can include both regular higher education and supplementary and continuing programmes where the effort can be targeted at skilled workers and specific sectors/fields. Specifically, the effort involves competence development of teachers with a view to strengthening their digital perspective and understanding in conjunction with their proficiencies and incorporating it into their teaching as well as developing courses and modules with relevant digital content.

61. Digital equipment fund for vocational education and adult vocational education. Robot systems and digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer the opportunity to create more practical teaching in vocational education and adult vocational training to strengthen the link between school and training/workplace. Funds will be earmarked for a digital equipment fund to allow investment in the latest technology such as VR, AR, simulation, 3D and competence development for teachers. Knowledge centres can apply for funds to acquire new digital technology and equipment in 2023.

Summary

The Danish Government's National Strategy for Digitalisation provides insights and a 'template' that other governments can learn from in their pursuit of a modern, efficient, and inclusive public sector. Key lessons include:

Denmark’s focus on strengthening cyber and information security demonstrates the importance of safeguarding citizens, businesses, and government systems from evolving threats. Other countries can learn from Denmark’s emphasis on resilient digital infrastructure and the protection of sensitive data.

The strategy highlights the value of coherent, user-friendly digital services that bridge public and private sectors. Simplifying interactions through integrated services improves accessibility and efficiency, a model that can be replicated by governments aiming to enhance service delivery.

By embracing automation and digital tools to reduce administrative burdens, Denmark is seeking to free up resources for core welfare services. This approach shows how technology can be used to prioritize public well-being while maintaining efficiency.

Denmark’s focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) digitally transform offers a roadmap for boosting economic growth. Governments can replicate this strategy to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and integrate them into the global digital economy.

The approach taken by Denmark to digital healthcare provides a blueprint for other countries aiming to improve care delivery. Integrating technologies like telemedicine and data-driven healthcare solutions can lead to better, faster, and more personalized services.

Denmark is also admirably seeking to accelerate the green transition through digitalisation and underscores how governments can use technology to support sustainability goals. This vision highlights the potential of digital tools to drive eco-friendly innovation and reduce carbon footprints.

By emphasizing ethical standards, transparency, and alignment with societal values, Denmark sets an example for the responsible use of digital technologies. Governments can adopt similar frameworks to ensure their digital advancements are socially responsible.

Denmark’s ambition to be a global leader in digitalization through international collaboration illustrates the importance of setting global standards and shaping digital policies. Other governments can learn from Denmark’s proactive role in influencing the global digital landscape.

By equipping all segments of society with digital skills, Denmark is consolidating the importance of inclusive digital education. Investing in lifelong learning ensures broad participation in the digital economy, a strategy crucial for any government looking to future-proof its workforce.

Overall, Denmark’s strategy offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking template for digital government and beyond that balances innovation, security, and inclusivity—providing valuable lessons for other governments. The breadth of initiatives current underway from 2022-26 show the pragmatic ambition that Denmark has to be a leading digital nation.

References

Government of Denmark: https://en.digst.dk/strategy/