AI4SE1DK

Human-Centred Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Software Engineering in Denmark

Project impact

Denmark risks losing ground in the global AI race for software development. Even though generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to boost software productivity by up to 43%, recent figures in market reports show that only 48% of Danish software companies are considering integrating the technology.

The project aims to ensure that Denmark not only keeps up – but takes the lead – in the development and application of responsible AI in software development.

The goals are to:

  1. close the adoption gap, making AI usable across the software sector – including in small and medium-sized enterprises;
  2. strengthen the technology base, ethical foundations and critical confidence in AI for development of critical systems;
  3. engage 10% of the Danish software sector in project outcomes – targeting more than 10,000 developers, educators, students and decision-makers.

Companies such as Systematic, Umbraco, Ericsson, DCR Solutions, Software Improvement Group, European Spallation Source (ESS), and Unik System Design A/S are already on board. Collaborating with seven educational and research institutions, they will test and develop solutions in four concrete use cases – ranging from no-code platforms to AI agents in critical software development.

PROJECT DATA

Project name

AI4SE1DK – Human-Centred Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Software Engineering in Denmark

Project period

2025 -2029

Funding

DKK 19.985.319

Scientific mission

Human-centred AI refers to technologies that are designed with a deep understanding of human needs, behaviour, and context. In practice, this means AI tools that are not only effective but also understandable, transparent, respectful of user autonomy, and aligned with societal values.

AI4SE1DK builds on Danish business practices characterised by flat hierarchies and high trust, team cultures that emphasise collaboration and knowledge sharing, and ideals such as equality, transparency, and social responsibility – developing solutions where human use and ethics are central values in software development processes and tool support.

The aim is to improve efficiency and develop a best practice model for responsible AI integration in software development that can inspire others worldwide. The results are expected to have a significant impact on the labour market and exports of the software sector, and the country’s role in the digital economy of the future.

Follow updates on the project on the project here.

Project Leadership

Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard
Project Leader, University of Southern Denmark
+45 21 97 24 47
mbkj@mmmi.sdu.dk 

Daniel Russo
Scientific Director, Aalborg University
+45 99 40 77 65
daniel.russo@cs.aau.dk

Allan Hansen
Innovation Manager, Alexandra Institute
+ 45 4019 4538
allan.hansen@alexandra.dk

Kirstine Då
Project Coordinator, University of Southern Denmark
+45 65 50 86 82
kird@tek.sdu.dk

Partners

We are laying the groundwork for a paradigm shift in how Denmark adopts advanced AI. It’s not just about technology – it’s about people, trust, and society.

Daniel Russo
Scientific Project Manager and Associate Professor
Aalborg University

Denmark should not merely adopt AI – we must shape how it is adopted responsibly. That’s why we’re developing human-centred solutions that boost productivity while respecting the people who use them.

Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard
Project Leader and Professor
University of Southern Denmark