Today, the Danish Government, the City of Copenhagen, the University of Copenhagen, and a broad consortium of partners present a comprehensive vision plan for Innovation District Copenhagen, which is set to become Denmark’s new beacon for Life Science, Biotechnology, and Quantum technologies.
Denmark must continue to compete with global rivals who are forging ahead. This demands strengthening the ability to link research and business development in new companies and new products. The starting point is strong. But now the next major step is being taken, putting Copenhagen at the forefront of the international innovation scene. Today, the Government, the City of Copenhagen, the University of Copenhagen, and a broad partner group can present a political agreement for the upcoming innovation district in Copenhagen, focusing on life science and quantum technology – Innovation District Copenhagen.
Rector of the University of Copenhagen David Dreyer Lassen says:
“Innovation District Copenhagen is our response to the Draghi report’s call for action – namely, that we renew our growth model, create a stronger foundation for collaboration between the public and private sectors, and build strategic autonomy and European competitiveness through innovation. Denmark has world-class research environments, and together with the government, the City of Copenhagen, and all our excellent partners, we are now setting a joint course to create a world-leading innovation district, which will serve as a strong springboard to transform our knowledge and research strengths in areas such as quantum technology and life science into new technologies, solutions, businesses, and jobs – for the benefit of Denmark and Europe.”
Today, a new vision plan for the area is also unveiled, outlining specific plots with development potential and concrete projects. The district will strengthen cooperation between businesses, educational institutions, and public actors to promote new technology and innovative solutions.
Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, says:
“The international competition is fierce. We must ensure that even more innovation comes to light. That requires action and investment. Today, we can present the plan for a groundbreaking innovation district. We are making Copenhagen the center for new ideas and smart solutions, creating thousands of new jobs and potential for investments of billions. We’re taking Danish innovation a giant step into the future.”
Experiences from other innovation districts in Boston and London show that such environments significantly impact growth, jobs, and the economy. In these two cities, 66,000 and 59,000 jobs have been created in life science respectively. In 2021, London’s innovation district contributed DKK 302.5 billion to the UK’s gross value added.
Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Lars Weiss (S) says: “The life science industry is incredibly important for Denmark, as we depend on sharp minds and creative solutions in the future. Copenhagen will now have a well-thought-out, attractive and cohesive city district that will put our city on the world map – and hopefully attract investments, companies, and researchers from all over the globe.”
The vision plan follows up on the government’s agreements on the entrepreneurship package and life science strategy from last year. The political agreement will be subject to political review in the City of Copenhagen during the autumn