Denmark's performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
Denmark benefits from a robust digital infrastructure, high-quality public services and strong innovation. However, the country struggles with a shortage of skilled workers and widening digitalisation gaps between small and large enterprises. The country is a leader in digital inclusivity, trust and security.
Denmark's roadmap is composed of 67 measures with a budget of EUR 1.07 billion, of which EUR 832 million come from public budgets (equivalent to 0.21% of GDP).
Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets
The graph represents the observed Key Performance Indicators in the Member State as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets, as well as the distance, in percentage, to the EU 2030 targets.
The bars for cloud, data analytics and basic skills are empty, as 2023 is the most recent year for which data is available. The bars for edge nodes and unicorns are also empty as the Member State's performance cannot be compared to the EU target.
In 2024, Denmark had an estimated 46 edge nodes and 9 unicorns.
High-performance connectivity and foundational technologies for a competitive EU
Infrastructure indicators are all above the EU average
The country excels on the research and innovation front, with some noteworthy efforts to develop the semiconductor and quantum ecosystems.
Innovative ideas, funding and R&D are concentrated in a few universities, hubs and large firms, limiting broader technological innovation.
Recommendation
Enhance collaboration between universities and businesses to improve the commercialisation of research. Consider targeted knowledge and financial support for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups in key strategic sectors, so that more companies can contribute to the country’s digital innovation.
A notable gap exists between large and small companies in adopting cutting-edge digital technologies.
Recommendation
Continue to raise SMEs’ awareness of digital solutions to improve productivity and competitiveness. Help them to use and integrate key digital technologies into their business models.
Digital skills and public services to protect and empower EU people and society
Denmark enjoys generally high levels of digital skills across different categories of the population
The government’s ‘digital-by-default' approach has been instrumental in delivering user-centric and efficient public services
The country focused on protecting and enhancing online wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable groups like children
Companies, especially SMEs, continue to face significant challenges in finding and retaining ICT specialists. There is also a gender disparity in employed ICT specialists in Denmark.
Recommendation
Monitor the new measures for improving advanced digital skills in higher education and for upskilling and reskilling ICT specialists already in the workforce. Find new ways of increasing young people’s interest in ICT and STEM, including among women.
Leveraging digital transformation for a smart greening
Danish public and private sector organisations are increasingly using digital solutions to monitor energy consumption.
Awareness of the importance of sustainable digital technologies is also growing, but it remains a developing area.
Funding
EUR 382 million
Share of Denmark’s total Recovery and Resilience plan contributing to advancing the country’s digital transformation
EUR 63 million
Share of Denmark’s total Cohesion funds contributing to advancing the country’s digital transformation
What do Danish citizens think of digital?
According to the special Eurobarometer on the Digital Decade 2025, 81% of Danish citizens consider that the digitalisation of public and private services is making their lives easier.
94% of citizens consider it important that public authorities mitigate the issue of fake news and disinformation online.
88% of citizens consider it important to ensure that European companies can grow and become ‘European Champions’ able to compete globally. ;
More on the Digital Decade Report 2025
Member States must submit to the Commission national roadmaps, detailing the actions they plan to...