Leadership
Denmark is lagging behind The draghi wake-up for europe
The 2024 Draghi Report delivers a clear and urgent message: Europe is losing ground in the global competition for technological leadership. After decades of underperformance in breakthrough innovation and no EU-born tech company surpassing a €100 billion valuation since the 1970s, the continent’s ability to drive future growth is at risk. Having largely missed the first wave of the digital revolution, particularly in cloud computing, Europe now has an opportunity to shift onto a new growth trajectory with artificial intelligence.
AI presents a critical, yet narrowing, window for Europe to close the innovation gap. However, despite growing awareness - Denmark is falling behind in AI adoption. A recent BCG report found that while 61% of white-collar workers globally use generative AI at work, adoption drops to 54% across Europe - and just 16% in Denmark, placing it last among the Nordic countries. Productivity gains also lag, with Danish employees reporting the lowest time savings from GenAI tools across the region.
The opportunity for industry to lead the AI driven growth path
Strengthening Denmark’s digital competitiveness will require significant national commitment. In response to the Draghi Report’s call for bold investment across Europe, a 2040 strategy was proposed in June 2025 by Pòmus and Deloitte Economics Denmark - outlining how Denmark can lead in digitalization, deeptech, and AI.
However, realizing this vision cannot rest on national strategy alone. We believe industry must take a leading role in translating ambition into action - by setting direction, building momentum, and accelerating the integration of AI into business practice.
To support this leadership journey, we use Silicon Valley as a strategic reference point - benchmarking ambition, mindset, and the pace of transformation.
Our mission is to help top executives lead with clarity in an AI-driven future - through global connections and transatlantic learning.
Exploring AI Driven Leadership through a transatlantic lens
We contribute to this agenda by presenting an interview series, examining how top executives in Denmark and the U.S. are approaching leadership in the era of AI. The series offers a rare dual perspective on how AI is not only transforming business - but also reshaping the very concept of leadership. The aim is to identify both shared practices and key differences - offering a transatlantic perspective on how leaders are navigating these new conditions.
Tailored executive programs to drive applied learning and actionable AI strategies
We design and facilitate applied learning journeys for C-level executives who seek to harness the transformative potential of AI within their leadership strategies. These programs help leaders expand their mindset, skillset, and toolset to effectively lead in the age of AI.
Through immersive sessions with big tech leaders, startup founders, renowned thinkers, and venture capitalists - embedded in the heart of the Silicon Valley ecosystem - participants gain both strategic insight and practical call-to-action. The experience empowers executives to proactively navigate the evolving AI landscape and position their companies for lasting success.
This journey goes beyond simply understanding AI; it’s about leveraging it intentionally and purposefully to drive meaningful impact and build a sustainable competitive advantage.
We tailor each program to the specific interests and strategic priorities of C-suite leaders. We’ve had the privilege to facilitate executives from USTC, The Chairmanship of Dansk Erhverv, Grundfos, JN Data, & Norlys amongst other.
Future Speaking Engagements
The insights from our executive interviews will be presented at the Technomania 2025 Conference with the Danish Society of Engineers, IDA, September 30 - October 2, and the Future Tech 2025 Conference with the Danish Academy of Insurance and Pension, November 13.
For interest in receiving the full interviews and in our executive AI leadership programs, please reach out to our AI Leadership Advisors:
Anders Christjansen & Helene M. O. Kristiansen