By: AmCham Denmark (Jan 29, 2010)

Today’s global economy is about talent. To a high degree, future investment in Denmark will be tied to the availability of skilled labor. Unfortunately, the advantage Denmark had in previous years when it comes to a highly educated and skilled workforce is disappearing. The availability of skilled graduates is decreasing and at the same time the attractiveness of Denmark to skilled foreign workers is low.

The Danish Growth Council, the Ministry of Science, DI, Danish Chamber of Commerce, and companies like Novozymes, A.P. Moller-Maersk, Coloplast, McDonald's, Microsoft, Novo Nordisk, ABS Europe Limited, Lundbeck and Shell are just some of the companies that for years have been affected by the challenge Denmark faces to attract and retain highly skilled labor.

However, efforts to address this challenge and improve Denmark’s attractiveness lack a coordinated and coherent strategy.  If Denmark wants to continue to have high employment and globally competitive industries, it is vital that the right framework conditions are in place to make it attractive to live and work in Denmark.

To gain insight into the challenges we face when it comes to attracting and retaining talent in Denmark, AmCham Denmark, together with Copenhagen Capacity and Heidrick & Struggles, has prepared a white paper “Denmark – Talent to Succeed.”  This paper provides an overview of what is being done - and what needs to be done - to attract and nurture talent, both imported and home-grown. Addressing the short term, the paper identifies six very specific proposals on how to attract more expats into the country and how to entice those that are already here to stay. For the long term the authors of this paper challenge Denmark to embrace a comprehensive talent strategy that will help propel Denmark to the top of the competitiveness scale.

“The Talent to Succeed” is only one piece of the puzzle to attract and retain skilled labor.  AmCham Denmark and Copenhagen Capacity will continue to engage and involve themselves in the talent debate.  We hope that you find our paper relevant and please feel free to let us know what you think.

Click here to download the English version / Download Dansk version

To read AmCham's policy positions on talent, click here