Denmark continues to be challenged to produce sufficient quantities of the highly qualified labor to meet growing demand. Furthermore, this trend is expected to continue as the aging workforce retires and the number of advanced degree graduates remains stagnant. Figures from the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI) show that Denmark lost orders equivalent to 32 billion DKK in the period 2005-2007, mainly due to the shortage of highly qualified labor in the workforce.

AmCham Denmark believes that in the short term, highly qualified foreign workers are the answer. But in order for Denmark to be successful in attracting and retaining highly qualified foreign workers, it is essential that they are met with a system and structure that make it attractive to work and live in the country.  Specifically, the highly qualified workers that companies are employing and recruiting need to see economic and social gains of residing and working in Denmark and at the same time, barriers and bureaucracy in connection to moving to Denmark need to be minimized.

In the long term, however, Denmark must not underestimate the importance of developing a long term talent strategy that includes increasing the size and quality of a "home grown" supply of talent as well as being a highly attractive destination for foreign labor.  AmCham encourages political cooperation in developing a comprehensive strategy that will place Denmark firmly in a leading position to grow, attract and retain highly qualified talent in the years to come.

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