Creative Denmark

Urban Growth vs. Planetary Boundaries – How do we shift from talk to action? 🏙️ As cities expand at an unprecedented pace, so does the responsibility to rethink how we design and build them. By 2050, 84% of the EU’s citizens are expected to live in cities, placing immense pressure on our planet. At the MIPIM Global Solutions Session last week, a strong panel of industry leaders: Anne Mette Boye, Chief City Architect of Aarhus Muncipality, Dariush Rezai, CEO of Sweco, and Hala El Akl, Vice President of Oxford Properties Group shared their key takeaways: 🟠 We must navigate within limited resources while addressing basic human needs 🟠 Sustainability and economics are interconnected - not competing forces 🟠 Collaboration is key: It’s time to move from discussion to execution “The growth of cities presents significant challenges to our Earth's systems. We need more viable solutions and interdisciplinary approaches, where construction techniques, financial models, policy initiatives, and local community efforts come together to secure a long-lasting future for the planet" was a key point from Torben Klitgaard, CEO of BLOXHUB. Now, a significant question remains: How do we shift the mindset of companies so that insights are turned into action? Please state your input in the comments 👇   The insightful session was organised by: PropTech Denmark, Byggesocietetet, Byens Netværk, and BLOXHUB 🙌 #MIPIM #SustianableCities #UrbanInnovation #LetCreativityDrive Michael Ambjorn l Jakob Norman-Hansen l Lisbet Fibiger l Birita Johannesen l Danske Arkitektvirksomheder l Teknik og Miljø, Aarhus Kommune l City of Aarhus Photos:  Kontraframe / Thorbjørn Hansen

SXSW 2025 insights 🌟 We’ve teamed up with two leading voices from Denmark’s creative industries, who spent last week at SXSW - the world’s biggest creative festival - to share some of their key takeaways: Malene Birkebæk, CEO of KreaKom - Kreativitet & Kommunikation 🔵 Shifting from ‘I am what I know’ to ‘I am how I adapt’ In a world of rapid paradigm shifts, adaptability is crucial, Malene Birkebæk highlights, reflecting on insights from Ian Beacraft, CEO of Signal and Cipher. Beacraft emphasised that paradigms, whether technological or geopolitical, shape our perception of reality and create biases we must unlearn to navigate change. One critical area he highlighted is education: with ‘skill shelf life’ shortening, the future demands we move beyond frontloading knowledge and instead institutionalise lifelong learning. Here, the ability to quickly acquire and apply new skills will define success. 🔵 The future is something we actively create Amy Webb, renowned futurist and CEO of Future Today Strategy Group and Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, ex-Chief Innovation Evangelist at Google, explored how to handle rapid change. Webb stressed the need to develop strategic foresight, working with scenario planning to prepare for surprises before they happen. While Pferdt urged us to see the future as something we actively create rather than something that happens to us. In a world where many struggle to visualise what lies ahead, verbalising future scenarios helps us gain control and start experimenting. Anna Porse Nielsen, CEO of Producentforeningen 🟣 AI and creativity: a developing relationship A central theme at SXSW 2025 was the intersection of AI, humanity, and creativity. When working in the creative industries, this is even more relevant, as AI needs creativity. One of the key takeaways from SXSW is that storytelling and the ability to imagine will not be replaced by AI, but there is a growing call for creatives to start using AI tools. The panels made it clear: we are still in a learning phase, but it’s time to lean in and get started. The relationship between creativity and AI is evolving and how we shape it is still in our hands. 🟣 A more practical and human approach to AI The approach to AI at SXSW was both practical and thoughtful this year. There has been a lot of talk about practical use, and even more talk about how we need to take care of ourselves as human beings in the age of AI. As AI advances rapidly, this more balanced conversation reminds us that creativity, empathy, and human wellbeing remain just as vital. As the creative industries continue to evolve, one thing is certain: those who adapt, experiment, and embrace new tools will be the ones shaping the future. #SXSW #Creativity #LetCreativityDrive

How do we rethink how to design our world? 🌍 Achieving climate neutrality requires initiatives that help us shift mindsets, foster innovation, and rethink how we design our world. For this purpose, the European Green Deal is the EU’s strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, paving the way by setting ambitious goals for emissions reduction, circular economy, and biodiversity protection. One of the strategy initiatives is the New European Bauhaus, an initiative that merges creativity, functionality, and sustainability to reshape our cities and communities. By making green solutions beautiful and accessible, we can create environments where people and nature thrive together 💚 🔗 In this article, Connie Hedegaard, Former European Commissioner for Climate Action & Former Minister for the Environment, Energy & Climate, explains how behavioural change, economic transformation, and global collaboration are key to achieving the European Green Deal’s vision. You will also find inspiration from Danish New European Bauhaus projects that turn these principles into action, from schønherr's climate-adaptive urban space Karens Minde Aksen to Mary Elizabeths Hospital - Riget for børn, unge og gravide's healing architecture and BESTSELLER and Henning Larsen’s biodiversity-driven design. #LetCreativityDrive #GreenTransition #CreativeDenmark Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Kulturministeriet, Danish Industry / DI Kreative Erhverv, Dansk Erhverv, and Realdania 

As our cities grow, how do we ensure they are designed and developed to be both sustainable and liveable – meeting the needs of a rising population without compromising the quality of life? 🏙️🌍 By 2050, nearly 70% of the world's population will live in cities, placing immense pressure on housing, infrastructure, and resources. The way we design, build, and invest today will shape not only the future of our cities but also determine the quality of life for generations to come. This challenge between urban growth and sustainability is one of the bigger challenges of our time. As Torben Klitgaard, CEO at BLOXHUB, puts it: “Urban growth must go hand in hand with respecting planetary boundaries. Achieving this demands a fundamental shift in how we approach urban development – transforming boldly, collaboratively, and with long-term vision. We need cities that are not just sustainable on paper, but truly inclusive and desirable places to live.” Next week, at MIPIM 2025, world-leading decision-makers in the built environment will come together to explore how we can turn this challenge into opportunities and solutions that bridge innovation, sustainability, and investment. Denmark brings experience in human-centred, climate-conscious urban development, offering ideas, solutions, and collaborations that can inspire how to design cities that prioritise people, planet, and progress. Join us at MIPIM on March 13th from 11-12 CET where Torben Klitgaard, alongside an inspiring panel consisting of Anne Mette Boye, Chief City Architect of Aarhus Muncipality, Dariush Rezai, CEO of Sweco, and Hala El Akl, Vice President of Oxford Properties Group will discuss and share insights on how we collectively and widely – across countries and industries – can build a more sustainable urban future. This session is organised by: PropTech Denmark, Byggesocietetet, Byens Netværk, and BLOXHUB #MIPIM2025 #SustainableCities #UrbanInnovation #LetCreativityDrive Michael Ambjorn l Jakob Norman-Hansen l Lisbet Fibiger l Birita Johannesen l Danske Arkitektvirksomheder l Teknik og Miljø, Aarhus Kommune   

AI is everywhere – but how do you use it wisely? Leading voices from a variety of industries gathered at The Summit in Copenhagen to explore how AI and immersive technologies are transforming business, creativity, and society. 👉 AI doesn’t operate in isolation; it’s becoming the mediator of all digital interactions, reshaping industries, decision-making, creativity, and business models. 👉 Future-proofing means strategy over hype, it’s about knowing when, where, and how to implement AI. 👉 AI and immersive tech are transforming creativity, but at its core, creativity remains deeply rooted in human intention. So, how can businesses stay ahead in an AI-driven world? Get the key takeaways here 👇 The Summit is organised by Danish Industry and Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Mie Bilberg, Lise Thomsen, Sofie Hvitved & Bugge Holm Hansen 💛 Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs I Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark I Kulturministeriet I Danish Industry / DI Kreative Erhverv I Dansk Erhverv I Realdania #AI #ImmersiveTech #LetCreativityDrive 

How do sustainability, innovation, and wellbeing shape the future of design? Yesterday, at the Global Creative Business Conference in Seoul, Danish design representatives discussed the role of sustainability in Danish design and how innovative design is a key driver of quality of life. 🌱 Sustainability & innovation in Danish design In the first session, moderated by Lise Thomsen, Director, Creative Industries at Danish Industry, the panel discussed how Danish design preserves a tradition of sustainability and longevity while pushing the boundaries of innovation to embrace emerging materials and technologies. 💠Circular thinking was a key theme, with Julia Jun, Country Manager at VOLA A/S, who emphasised how recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials minimise waste and reduce the need for virgin resources. Beyond environmental impact, this approach strengthens design responsibility and serves as a competitive advantage. 💠Collaboration is key. Cross-disciplinary partnerships are essential to innovating design solutions that accelerate the green transition. 🏡 Design as a driver of wellbeing In the second session, moderated by Majken Kalhave, Executive Director at Creative Denmark, the discussion focused on how thoughtful design enhances wellbeing. Here, Danish brands prioritise: 💠Sustainable, high-quality materials 💠Nature-inspired design and craftmanship for improved health and comfort 💠Creating a sense of home, fostering emotional and physical wellbeing The panel highlighted the growing global demand for design that nurtures both physical and emotional wellbeing – a principle that also resonates strongly with Korean consumers. The key takeaway? Great design is more than aesthetics - it’s a philosophy that blends timeless beauty, innovation, and deep responsibility towards both people and the planet. Learn more about Danish design at Seoul Living Design Fair 2025 and why the Danish approach to design resonates well in South Korea in our new Focus article. Find link in the comments #SeoulLivingDesignFair #DanishDesign #LetCreativityDrive Thank you to all of the panellists for sharing their inspiring insights: Donghee Yeo, Head of Marketing & Communications of Korea, Southeast Asia & Pacific, Bang & Olufsen Julia Jun, Country Manager, VOLA A/S Jacob Nannestad, CEO, UMAGE Eugen Coulthard, Head of Commercial, FLEXA Henrik Dybdahl, CEO, THE DYBDAHL CO. Lærke Ryom, Designer The Danish Pavillion at Seoul Living Design Fair 2025 is organised by Danish Industry/DI Kreative Erhverv, Embassy of Denmark in Korea, and Creative Denmark, with co-financing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

New year, new look for The Creative Denmark Dispatch! 🎉 We have refreshed the format of our newsletter, reflecting a desire to inspire, inform, and spotlight the creative solutions shaping Denmark’s industries.    Gain fresh perspectives, key industry insights, and the latest creative highlights from across Denmark’s industries. This edition explores how creatives are rethinking the way they create, connect, and take responsibility, because today, it’s not just about what we make, but how and why. From fashion and gaming to architecture and design, we dive into the ideas and initiatives shaping the future. Please let us know in the comments if there are specific insights that would be relevant, we share going forward. We hope you like it! Press subscribes to receive The Creative Denmark Dispatch directly in your inbox 📬 Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs I Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark I Kulturministeriet I Danish Industry / DI Kreative Erhverv I Dansk Erhverv I Realdania 🩵 #Newsletter #LetCreativityDrive #Innovation #Creativity 

Why is Danish design a perfect match in South Korea? 🌏 “Danish design seamlessly blends heritage with forward-thinking principles, ensuring that craftsmanship, sustainability, and human-centred values leave a lasting impact. This vision strongly resonates with South Korea’s growing demand for meaningful, enduring design.”- Lise Thomsen, Director, Creative Industries at Danish Industry. Danish design is deeply rooted in traditions and values while continuously pushing boundaries to drive transformation. It embraces circular methods, uses innovative materials, and adopts digital technologies to create solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Next week, at Seoul Living Design Fair, the Danish Pavilion presents a vision where innovation meets heritage, celebrating Denmark’s timeless yet forward-thinking approach. Seoul Living Design Fair is a global platform for inspiration, collaboration, and creative exchange and welcomes more than 200,000 visitors. Curated by Danish designer Lærke Ryom, the pavilion features eight leading Danish brands: VOLA A/S, Bang & Olufsen, FLEXA, Georg Jensen Damask A/S, QUILTS OF DENMARK, THE DYBDAHL CO., UMAGE, and VERPAN – each demonstrating how function, aesthetics, and sustainability effortlessly combine. Learn more about Danish design at Seoul Living Design Fair 2025 and why the Danish approach to design resonates well in South Korea in our new Focus article: https://lnkd.in/etBuNGFh The Danish Pavillion at Seoul Living Design Fair 2025 is organised by Danish Industry/DI Kreative Erhverv, Embassy of Denmark in Korea, and Creative Denmark, with co-financing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. #DanishDesign #SeoulLivingDesignFair #LetCreativityDrive Lise Thomsen l Emil Stub l Joachim Arup Fischer l Soo Hyun K. l Jacob Nannestad l Birthe Tofting l Julia Jun l YENA HONG l Eugen Coulthard l Sara S. l Donghee Yeo l Henrik Dybdahl l Louise Johannsen l Stephen Birch Madsen l Si-Yol Song l Majken Kalhave & Lukas Eedes 🩵🩵🩵 Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs I Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark I Kulturministeriet I Danish Industry / DI Kreative Erhverv I Dansk Erhverv & Realdania

Few creative industries have seen the same explosive growth on a global scale as digital games, which now generate more revenue than music and movies combined🕹️But gaming's impact extends far beyond revenue and entertainment. It has evolved into a global powerhouse as a platform for creativity, education, and connection, shaping culture, fostering communities, and driving technological innovation. On Saturday, Copenhagen Gaming Week 2025 concluded after a sold-out event with impressive support and interest from the public, industry leaders, and policymakers. Over three days, the participants engaged with the latest in gaming, celebrating the industry's innovation and growing global impact. "Copenhagen Gaming Week is a testament to Denmark’s growing role in the international gaming industry. The event highlights how gaming has become a powerful cultural and economic force – driving innovation, fostering vibrant communities, and contributing to education, wellbeing, and collaboration across industries,” said Louise Riisgaard, Industry Director at The Danish Chamber of Commerce, who are one of the essential stakeholders, securing visibility and growth for the Danish gaming industry. One of the key highlights during Copenhagen Gaming Week was the Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt’s official announcement of NIMBI – Danish Institute for Game Development, marking the first time in Europe that an independent institute under a Ministry of Culture has been established to support digital game development. Nimbi will strengthen the industry and promote talent while focusing on increasing awareness of developing digital games that support educational purposes, avoid exploitative design, and foster wellbeing, leading the way in creating high-quality, meaningful gaming experiences. Alongside Games Denmark, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to securing Denmark’s future as a hub for game innovation. ‘TAGS’ (Tomorrow’s Awesome Games Showcase) also took center stage, highlighting emerging talent and creativity that push the boundaries of game development. By focusing on these success stories, the Danish gaming landscape continues to inspire and connect people worldwide and is increasingly gaining international recognition for its creativity, storytelling, and technological expertise. A huge congratulations to everyone involved and the organizers for a successful event 💜 Kulturministeriet l Dansk Erhverv l Danish Industry l Jan Neiiendaml Niels A. Wetterberg l Liv Saalbach Holse l Bellagroup l Wonderful Copenhagen l Mathias Gredal Nørvig l SYBO l Jakob Lund Kristensen l Christian Ballund l Charlotte N. Brault l Copenhagen Capacity l Sune Jensen l Brian Martin Nielsen l Kari Vinther Nielsen l Tine Eriksen Green l Dajana Dimovska l Søren Lundgaard l Tim Garbos l Bjørn Højlund Rasmussen l Lars Vallentin Christensen l Jakob Kjeldgaard l Marie Dyhr l Kaspar Mørk Arianto l Hanna Wirman👾 #DanishDigitalGames #CreativityAsADriver 

This morning, Creative Denmark had the pleasure of hosting a New Year’s reception, bringing together embassy representatives to explore Denmark’s creative industries. The event provided insights into business opportunities, potential areas for collaboration, and innovative approaches to international delegation attraction and programs in 2025. The BLOX community joined key industry voices from Denmark’s design, architecture, and digital sectors who shared their perspectives on key trends shaping the future, highlighting how international partnerships and collaboration can drive innovation and economic growth. Insightful presentations by: 🟠 Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO at SYBO on the gaming industry and the inspiring impact the industry has on inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity. 🟠 Birthe Tofting, Sales & Marketing Director at VOLA A/S on Danish design and how to create durable and meaningful products that enrich our lives. 🟠 Kent Martinussen, CEO at Danish Architecture Center (Dansk Arkitektur Center) on the history of Danish architecture and how the development of the new architecture policy reflects a shift from a human-centred focus to a planet-centric focus. The event concluded with engaging conversations and networking, reinforcing the potential for future partnerships and delegation exchanges. We look forward to continuing these important dialogues and strengthening international ties in the year ahead. If you are part of an international delegation and interested in visiting or what to learn more about Creative Denmark’s work with attracting and hosting delegations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. A big thank you for participating today: Team Norway i Danmark l Christian Denter, CITP l Paulette Berube l Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux l Astrid Nielsen l Annemette J. l Business France (Invest in France) l Arne Brandsma l Embassy of Japan in Denmark l Michał Kapuściński l Maria Veronica Abadie Antia l Embajada de España en Dinamarca l Laura García Gómez l Henning Grosser l Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany l KOTRA Copenhagen - The Commercial section of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea l Sooju Lim l Jiyun Oh) l Elizabeth McCullough l Torben Klitgaard l BLOXHUB l Martin Delfer l DDC – Danish Design Center & Sungwoo Choi #LetCreativityDrive #Innovation