Manufacture Thinking x Alp ICT - Denmark: A Digital Nation

Denmark: the most digitalized country in the world! 

Under the aegis of the "Manufacture Thinking" Think Tank, a dozen entrepreneurs･e･s from French-speaking Switzerland･e･s traveled･e･s to Denmark to understand why this country is ranked number 1 in the world among the most digitalized countries? What factors were decisive? When and how did it happen? Which players are behind this success? The role of the state? What are the lessons for Switzerland? The issue of digitization processes has been at the heart of companies and governments for several years. However, few people are aware of the success factors. For example, none of the members of the "fact finding Denmark" delegation knew why and how Denmark had successfully digitized! And do you?

A unique digital identity

Four milestones were key: 1998, with the introduction of a residents' database; 2001, with the legalization of electronic signatures; 2007, with a digital identity for all (MitID) in the form of an application. Over the following years, all government services, including medical records, were gradually developed on the Web. Today, Denmark has a fully online administration.

There's been total acceptance of the system, because it's almost impossible to get around the slow, Kafkaesque nature of conventional procedures. As it was introduced on a voluntary basis, there has been no opposition.

It has to be said that e-government not only works very well, but is also widespread in all the detailed services that link citizens to public authorities, at the three levels of state, region and municipality, and moreover without duplication. This rational, large-scale rollout is one of the reasons why Denmark is at the top of the digitization league tables.

Denmark Innovation Nation?

However, with a high level of taxation at 65%, Denmark's framework conditions are unfavorable to entrepreneurs. Even very large companies like Novo Nordisk are structured around foundations! The country is struggling to see its start-ups take off. Copenhagen is ranked ^30th in the world for start-up ecosystems. Taxation is a deterrent. Universities are also moderately placed: University of Copenhagen ^79th and Technical University of Denmark ^99th, compared with ETHZ: ^11th worldwide. The overall record on innovation is good, but no better.

Storytelling, a success factor 

There's another factor behind Denmark's highly positive perception: storytelling. A nation's storytelling is part of its marketing - it's pure soft power. The Danes are excellent at it. In fact, the story we tell is that of a country that "sticks together" and acts together. The example of the unanimous adoption of digital identity is a textbook case. What country would see its population voluntarily adopt such a system without opposition? In Denmark, the spirit of egalitarianism, solidarity and unity seems to be a key element of the national spirit. A bit like neutrality in Switzerland...

What can we learn from the Danish model for Switzerland and its entrepreneurs?

1. digitalization requires a single, generalized digital identity, as well as a long-term national vision shared and implemented with stakeholders
2. simplified, streamlined regulatory conditions in line with the needs of entrepreneurs - particularly young entrepreneurs - must be the number one priority of Swiss politicians and administrations
3. the link between universities and entrepreneurs must be constantly strengthened
4. soft power is an indispensable component of the modern world. Switzerland needs to rethink its story.

Source article and other fact-findings on the Manufacture Thinking website.