Denmark ranks among Europe\’s most innovative

Denmark has once again reaffirmed its position as a driver of innovation. New figures from the European Patent Office (EPO), Patent Index 2024, show that Danish companies and research institutions filed 2,539 European patent applications in 2024 – placing Denmark fourth in Europe when measured by patent applications per capita. Only Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland ranked higher, while Denmark outpaced countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and South Korea.

This performance underscores Denmark’s continued focus on high-value innovation, especially within key sectors such as renewable energy, medical technology, and biotechnology – all areas central to the green transition.

Green tech leads the way

Vestas, a global wind energy leader, topped the list of most patent-active Danish applicants in 2024 with 95 patent filings – rising from second place the year before. Novozymes, a frontrunner in biotechnology and industrial enzymes, followed closely with 85 filings. Meanwhile, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) made history by becoming the first university to rank third on the national top-10 list, filing 84 applications.

This reflects a growing commitment among Danish universities to protect and commercialise their research, with DTU playing an increasingly pivotal role in Denmark’s innovation ecosystem.

Discover the case: DTU Biosustain – Research for a sustainable future

Other key players included Oticon, Danfoss, and Topsoe – all well-known for their contributions to sustainable solutions and green innovation.

Strengthening competitiveness through innovation

Regionally, innovation activity continues to be strongest in the Greater Copenhagen area, which accounted for more than half of all Danish patent applications in 2024. Central Denmark Region also maintained a high level of activity, while North Denmark Region recorded a 14 percent year-on-year increase in patent filings – signalling rising innovation capacity across the country.

Patent protection plays a crucial role in enabling Danish companies to maintain their competitive edge, support long-term growth, and foster green job creation. As global competition intensifies, sustained investment in research, development, and IP protection remains essential.