The Danish Creative Industries 2024

2024 has been a remarkable year where I have seen creativity as an enabler for change rise to meet some of the most pressing challenges of our time. A world characterised by an array of different crises, geopolitical shifts and intensified global competition has further underscored the urgency for bold action and innovative thinking. From accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss to growing social and economic differences in society, the world is more unpredictable and complex than ever. Tackling these challenges requires us to rethink, redesign, and reimagine how we live, work and create – a mindset I have no doubt will continue to inspire us in 2025 and that will be essential to overcome the unpredictability, competition, and complexity that the world is facing.

To me, this year further showcased the impact and importance creative solutions have on individual, organisational, and societal levels. When design thinking and creative approaches are strategically implemented, they have the power to drive essential transformation, improve quality of life, strengthen businesses, and deliver measurable bottom-line results. ?Underlining this is a report* published this week from Statistics Denmark, revealing that Denmark’s cultural and creative industries generated an impressive €30 billion in production value, showcasing that these industries are big business. However, this does not show the full picture of impact, since it does not factor in all the derived effects the creative industries generate in other industries and sectors. This year, we saw an indirect production value of €12.6 billion outside the creative industries, which, to me, is a clear indication of how intangible measuring the impact of creativity can be.

I am truly inspired by the activities and engagements Creative Denmark has been involved in in Denmark and abroad, together with ambitious and innovative partners. One of my personal highlights was the launch of our white paper, ‘Creativity as a driver for quality of life’, where we showcased innovative Danish solutions and their role in enhancing quality of life while driving sustainable progress. I am always extremely impressed when I see the impact created by the Danish creative industries, and I am very proud to be part of the sector and to represent these amazing solutions. Below, I hope you will be inspired by some of the past year’s achievements within the creative industries, showing how creativity and innovation are driving a more sustainable, resilient, and connected world.

Thank you to our founders: Erhvervsministeriet , Udenrigsministeriet , Kulturministeriet , DI - Dansk Industri / DI Kreative Erhverv , Dansk Erhverv , and Realdania , our partners, the amazing team at Creative Denmark, and all the international delegations that visited us in Denmark this year. I look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025.

From all of us at Creative Denmark, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Majken Kalhave,

Executive Director, Creative Denmark

#LetCreativityDrive

Architecture

Architecture in transformation was a key focus in 2024, and Danish solutions within architecture, urban planning, and landscaping showcased an industry evolving to tackle today’s challenges. Sustainability continued to be a focal point; with the development of innovative building materials, retrofitting, to increased integration of green spaces fostering biodiversity, architecture continuously proves its essential role in minimising carbon emissions while designing spaces where people and nature thrive.

Discussions spanned from how to create greener solutions to designing spaces that bring people together in inclusive and meaningful ways. At the Liveable City conference in Scotland, the focus was on creating inclusive, green, and resilient spaces that enhance wellbeing, while Climate Week New York highlighted the role of sustainable investments in realising these ideas through attractive, long-term solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic goals. The Danish-led project ‘DESIRE – Designing the Irresistible Circular Society’, under the New European Bauhaus initiative, led the way with six inspiring cases with the purpose of transforming the built environment into sustainable, aesthetic, and inclusive spaces, creating a new vision for cities worldwide. Read more about DESIRE in our Focus article here: https://bit.ly/3XRZerE

Design

Danish design has a strong tradition of form and function while blending timeless aesthetics with innovative solutions. In 2024, this legacy continued to evolve, with bold ideas and creative thinking driving efforts to tackle some of the critical issues of our time facing the world today.

At the Danish Design Award, design thinking and Danish design solutions were celebrated, spanning healthcare, circular design, energy innovation, and sustainable housing. It highlighted the impressive scale of design-driven solutions that have the power to create meaningful change, transforming businesses and societies.

At international events such as Seoul Living Design Fair, Downtown Design Dubai, and Clerkenwell Design Week, it was inspiring to see beautiful and innovative Danish interior design. Not only did it showcase high craftsmanship and aesthetically beautiful pieces, but it also had a strong focus on sustainability and functionality, marking the continued innovation driving Danish design. Nationally, the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen further cemented itself on the global scene as one of the most important design events in Europe.

Communication design once again demonstrated the importance of campaigns and advertising in changing perceptions and nudging behaviour. Danish contributors made their mark at renowned international Award shows, addressing global challenges while delivering impactful results.

This year has showcased how Danish design continues to innovate and inspire, setting a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of tomorrow with creativity and purpose. Read more about how Danish design drives meaningful change through innovative solutions for a better tomorrow in our article on the Danish Design Award and the Danish approach to design. https://bit.ly/DDAFocus

Fashion

The Danish fashion industry continues to showcase its commitment to sustainability, from embracing eco-conscious materials to circular solutions. This year, the industry once again highlighted the ongoing need to make the industry more sustainable through innovation and collaboration. Copenhagen Fashion Week introduced an even stricter revision of its sustainability action plan, inspiring multiple other international fashion weeks to implement similar standards for a more responsible industry. Such restrictions are crucial in a fashion industry often questioned for its environmental and social impact, pushing for greater accountability and setting a standard for a more responsible system. This was also a topic at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, where the importance of forming partnerships to accelerate sustainable change, overcome barriers, and move towards a regenerative industry was emphasised. Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) contributed to these efforts by providing a key platform for industry stakeholders to connect, exchange ideas, and showcase innovations that support the transition to a more sustainable future

These initiatives are incremental for the fashion industry's progress and its promising potential to continue driving innovation for meaningful change, setting a course for a greener and more collaborative future. Learn more about designing for a circular fashion industry here: https://bit.ly/4dd3r04

Digital games and XR

As digital engagement globally continues to increase, the Danish digital games and XR industry has established itself as one of the most commercially successful creative industries in Denmark. This year, the industry has further cemented how digital games go far beyond entertainment, addressing topics like mental health, climate change, and social inclusion while sparking meaningful dialogue.

With the launch of Europe’s first gaming institute, Nimbi Gamelab, Denmark has set a standard by focusing on fostering educational and ethical games that prioritise well-being and meaningful experience. The institute serves as a hub for exploring new ways to create non-addictive games that engage players responsibly. It is the first time an independent institute under the Ministry of Culture has been established to support digital game development. The discussion of these important themes was also emphasized through the initiative; “Issues that Matter”, where Danish game developers highlighted how digital wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability can be integrated into gaming to drive positive change. At the world's largest gaming event, Gamescom in Cologne, 28 Danish companies presented innovative and creative solutions aiming to drive positive and environmental change through digital games. Nationally, the Danish digital games industry attracted the largest number of international investors to date this year at Copenhagen Matchup, interested in collaborating with Danish developers on innovative projects.

These developments highlight gaming’s potential to redefine how we learn, connect, and create impact through play. Discover more on how Danish digital game developers use creativity and storytelling to address social and environmental challenges here: https://bit.ly/3MhtXZU

Film, TV, and animation

Film, TV, and animation have continued to inspire and engage audiences while addressing relevant social issues. These platforms are not only a source of entertainment but also a way of initiating dialogue and exploring complex challenges that resonate on both local and global levels.

Viborg Animation Festival, an international event that gathers creatives, thought leaders, and industry professionals to explore the potential of animation and gaming, highlighted the power of Danish animation to address global challenges like mental health, climate change, and social inclusion through bold storytelling rooted in democratic values. Furthermore, the festival underscored the importance of cross-industry collaboration to support the growth of creative businesses and leverage animation as a practical tool for promoting sustainability and social dialogue.

Similarly, the Danish film industry continued to demonstrate its strength through impactful storytelling and a growing focus on sustainability. With a clear commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, evidenced by the first Danish movie to earn a green certification, and promoting diverse storytelling, the industry demonstrates its ability to inspire dialogue while becoming more environmentally responsible.

Music and sound

Denmark’s vibrant music scene continued to thrive in 2024, with festivals drawing large crowds and creating shared experiences. This year, the industry not only celebrated music but also continued to explore how to embrace sustainability and adapt to global challenges. Festivals like Copenhell, Heartland, and Skanderborg and initiatives such as SPOT in Aarhus highlighted the industry’s commitment to collaboration and innovation, from promoting diversity to implementing environmental and social sustainability initiatives. The Danish music industry continues to inspire and evolve, fostering international connections through music while paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Creative solutions continue to shape a more sustainable and innovative future, driving progress and fostering global collaboration. This year has also demonstrated the continued global interest in learning about and from the Danish creative industries. Creative Denmark has had the pleasure of welcoming delegations from around the world to explore Danish creativity, exchange ideas and showcase innovative Danish solutions that address shared global challenges. If you are part of an international delegation reach out here to hear more: https://bit.ly/planyourvisitwithcreativedenmark.

We look forward to continuing to share insights, build on existing partnerships, and foster new collaborations that showcase the impact of Danish creative industries.?

* Read the report from Statistics Denmark here (unfortunately only available in Danish): https://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/nyheder-analyser-publ/nyt/NytHtml?cid=54754

Creative Denmark assists international stakeholders and decision-makers in exploring solutions, products, and processes within the Danish creative industries. As a not-for-profit, public-private partnership our primary objective is to connect international demand for innovative solutions with Danish creative companies and competencies. Through our efforts, we strive to raise awareness about the transformative potential of Danish creativity as a driver for sustainability and increased quality of life.

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