The Economic Potential of GenAI in Denmark: A Game Changer for Growth

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force across various industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and innovation.

In Denmark, a nation renowned for its robust digital infrastructure and commitment to technological advancement, GenAI holds significant promise. Recent analyses suggest that GenAI could enhance Denmark's prosperity by approximately DKK 230-290 billion, equating to around 10% of the current GDP.

For nations striving to maintain economic leadership, integrating AI is no longer a choice but a necessity for ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness.

Denmark's Strategic Position in the AI Landscape

Denmark's proactive approach to AI is exemplified by its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to position the country as a frontrunner in responsible AI development and application. The strategy emphasizes:

Ethical and Human-Centered AI: Establishing a framework that ensures AI technologies are developed and utilized in ways that prioritize human well-being and ethical considerations.
Investment in Research and Development: Allocating resources to advance AI research, fostering innovation, and supporting pilot projects that explore new technological possibilities.
Public Sector Integration: Implementing AI solutions to enhance public services, thereby improving efficiency and citizen satisfaction.
Business Growth through AI: Encouraging enterprises to adopt AI technologies to drive productivity and competitiveness.

These initiatives underscore Denmark's commitment to harnessing AI's potential while addressing associated challenges, such as ethical concerns and the need for specialized talent. As the Danish Minister for Industry, Business, and Financial Affairs stated:

Denmark must be a leader in AI, ensuring it benefits both businesses and society while maintaining our strong ethical standards.

Economic Implications of GenAI Adoption for Business Leaders

For CEOs, HR executives, and decision-makers in Denmark, the integration of GenAI presents both opportunities and challenges. Industries such as finance, consulting, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing are expected to experience significant transformations. According to a recent report by the Danish Business Authority, "Companies that integrate AI into their operations see up to a 30% increase in productivity and efficiency." However, realizing these benefits requires a structured approach.

Key Areas for Business Leaders to Address:

Workforce Upskilling & Talent Strategy : Investing in education and training programs to equip employees with the necessary skills to collaborate effectively with AI. "AI will not replace jobs; it will redefine them," says Dr. Lars Jørgensen, a leading AI researcher at Aarhus University.
Regulatory Compliance & Ethical AI: Establishing policies that promote innovation while ensuring compliance with EU AI regulations. "Without a clear AI governance model, businesses may struggle to scale AI solutions sustainably," warns Anna Kristensen, a tech policy expert.
Infrastructure & Technology Investment: Building the right data architecture to integrate AI seamlessly across business operations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and companies across Denmark and Norway are in urgent need of top AI executives to drive innovation and strategy. As a specialized executive search and leadership advisory firm, we help organizations find and attract AI leadership talent. The Demand for AI Leadership Scandinavia is a hub for AI innovation, spanning fintech, healthcare, and manufacturing. Companies require AI leaders who combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision. Ideal candidates are not just data scientists or engineers but professionals who understand AI’s impact on business models, regulations, and customer experiences. The Executive Search Process for AI Talent Identifying and securing top AI talent requires a structured and strategic approach. Here’s how we conduct executive searches for AI professionals in Scandinavia: 1. Defining the Leadership Need The first step is an in-depth consultation with our client to understand their specific AI-related needs. This includes analyzing the company’s business model, technical requirements, and cultural fit. Whether the role is for a Chief AI Officer (CAIO), VP of AI, or a Head of Machine Learning, we tailor our search to find the best match. 2. Market Mapping & Talent Identification Our team conducts thorough market research to map out the top AI talent across Scandinavia and beyond. This involves leveraging our extensive network, industry databases, and AI-driven analytics to identify individuals with the right expertise and leadership capabilities. We categorize AI leadership talent into key areas, including: Machine Learning & Deep Learning Specialists: Experts in developing advanced AI models and algorithms. AI Strategy & Business Leaders: Professionals who drive AI adoption and digital transformation. Ethics & Regulatory Experts: Leaders who ensure AI compliance with Scandinavian and EU regulations. AI Engineers & Product Innovators: Talents focused on building scalable AI-driven products. 3. Engagement & Assessment After identifying potential candidates, we engage with them discreetly and assess their suitability. Our evaluation includes technical expertise, leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. We conduct in-depth interviews, reference checks, and AI competency assessments to ensure a precise match. 4. Presentation & Selection We present a shortlist of the most suitable candidates to our client, providing detailed profiles and insights. Our clients are then guided through the selection process, including structured interviews and scenario-based assessments tailored to AI leadership roles. 5. Negotiation & Onboarding Support Once a candidate is selected, we facilitate the negotiation process to ensure a smooth hiring experience. Additionally, we support onboarding to help the new AI executive integrate successfully into their new role. The Challenge of Finding AI Talent & How We Overcome It The global demand for AI experts is intense. We overcome this challenge through: Targeted Headhunting – Direct outreach to top AI leaders in Scandinavia and beyond. Industry Partnerships – Collaboration with AI research institutions and innovation hubs. Employer Branding – Helping companies position themselves as attractive workplaces for AI talent. Conclusion Securing AI leadership is crucial for companies aiming to stay ahead. With our expertise in executive search for AI professionals in Denmark, Norway, and the broader Scandinavian market, we connect businesses with the top AI talent needed for success. If you’re seeking AI executives to lead your organization into the future, our strategic approach ensures you find the right leaders. Get in touch with us: kontakt@friis-borgesen.com

The call to action: Practical Solutions for Business Leaders

To help Danish business leaders navigate the AI revolution, we recommend the following strategic actions:

Develop an AI Adoption Roadmap: Align AI initiatives with business goals and identify priority areas where AI can drive measurable value.
Initiate Small-Scale AI Projects: Conduct pilot projects to explore AI applications before committing to full-scale deployment.
Leverage External AI Expertise: Partner with AI specialists, consultants, and academic institutions to access cutting-edge research and insights.
Establish AI Governance & Compliance Frameworks: Ensure AI adoption adheres to ethical guidelines and data protection laws.
Empower Leadership Teams with AI Knowledge: Provide training for executives and HR leaders on AI’s strategic impact and workforce transformation.

Companies that successfully integrate AI into their business models will not only thrive but define the future of their industries.

Appendix

For Danish business leaders, embracing Generative AI is no longer a question of 'if' but 'how.' By proactively investing in AI talent, infrastructure, and ethical governance, Denmark can position itself as a global leader in AI-driven economic growth.

As Kristian Jensen, CEO of the Danish Confederation of Industries, aptly puts it:

AI is not just another technological wave—it's the foundation of the next industrial revolution. Companies that act now will shape Denmark’s economic future.

Felix W. Gliem

For almost a decade the Managing Partner and passionate Headhunter of Friis+Borgesen, has helped companies - Big Players and Mid-sized companies find extraordinary Executives and Specialist in various industries like Sales, Engineering, IT & Tech and Healthcare. With a deep-focus on the scandinavian Market, we partnered with forward-thinking companies and develope Talent Strategies and