New innovation centres will improve Danish research and create growth

The Government will attract knowledge and investments to Denmark as well as increase exports to new growth markets and thereby strengthening Danish technological development and competitiveness.

A total of DKK 24.6 million for 2013 and 2014 was earmarked in the Budget proposal to continue the existing innovation centres in Silicon Valley, Shanghai and Munich, as well as establish another two to three new innovation centres in leading international research, education and innovation regions.

The innovation centres will strengthen Danish research, development and education, attract investment to Denmark and increase Danish exports within Danish positions of strength.

– By expanding the number of innovation centres in new growth markets we increase the effect and extent of this on-going effort. The future footholds will help Danish researchers and knowledge companies with access to and cooperation with unique international knowledge environments, as well as attracting investments and jobs to Denmark. The venture is in harmony with the Government’s Growth Market Strategy and its future innovation strategy, which will also increase exports to new growth markets and prepare Danish companies and knowledge institutions for global development, says Higher Education Minister Morten Østergaard.

Users of the current three centres are very satisfied with the service according to two external evaluations carried out in 2008 and 2010.

– We have found a recipe that works looking at the innovation centres. It is important to be present in the world’s leading international R&D regions. And the centres help provide access to new technology, collaborative partners and new markets, which in the end help create growth and jobs in Denmark, says Morten Østergaard.

The decision on the locations of the new centres will be made by the higher education minister and the minister for trade and investment on the basis of a mapping of perspective international R&D regions and in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including research councils and business organisations. It is important that the centres, through strong relationships, can create synergy and act as gateway to the best research environments and companies in Denmark.

The innovation centres

• The innovation centres are operated and developed in close cooperation between the Higher Education Ministry and the Trade Council at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. They are located in leading international R&D hotspots in Silicon Valley (USA), Shanghai (China) and Munich (Germany).
• The innovation centres help Danish knowledge and educational institutions and companies translate knowledge to growth through networks and partnerships with leading international partners, as well as tailored advice. The centres also help attract talent and knowledge-intensive job creating investments to Denmark.

For further information please contact:

Press Officer Ingeborg Nielsen, tel.+45 2211 0200

Special Adviser Jacob Blomgren, tel.+45 7231 8008

Head of Division Niels Korsby, tel.+45 7231 8050