7 January 2026
Opinion by Lia Leffland, Director, Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) and Thomas Riisgaard Hansen, Director, Digital Research Centre Denmark (DIREC):
What does a technological future for Denmark actually look like? In Denmark, we are very clear about what we do not want when it comes to digitalisation. But what do we want? We urgently need to develop our own narratives and concrete visions for the future.
With profound geopolitical shifts, dramatic demographic changes, and rapid advances in AI and digital technologies, one thing is certain: the world is changing fast.
But how do we make sense of the futures ahead of us? What kind of society do we want in Denmark and Europe? And how can we actively shape that future rather than merely react to it?
Denmark needs future scenarios that can guide political decisions on investments and new initiatives. Both politicians and citizens are crystal clear about what we do not want.
We do not want tech giants exploiting our data. We do not want to become dependent on China. We do not want our children growing up addicted to smartphones and social media.
Yet when it comes to defining what we do want, we often retreat into vague and abstract visions that are difficult to translate into concrete action.
In the Danish public debate, we frequently point to technological “strongholds” such as AI and quantum technologies. We broadly agree on the importance of European values, privacy, trust, and digital sovereignty. But because we are rarely forced to explain what these concepts mean in practice, discussions often become fragmented and directionless.
This focus on what we reject also shapes our approach to technological development.
Legislation becomes our primary response— laws governing children and social media, AI development, personal data, and more.
Many of these initiatives are well-intentioned and necessary. But they also reveal a deeper problem: others are already shaping the future for us, and we are trying to regulate it after the fact.
Instead of proactively designing the future we want, we end up reacting to a future created elsewhere.
One way to break this pattern is to create our own Danish narratives—stories that inspire debate and help us imagine how technology can be used to build a better society.
We must invest time in asking the right questions—questions that move us toward a desirable future, not merely away from an undesirable present.
Denmark and Europe are home to some of the world’s best cities and public transport systems. How might our cities evolve as autonomous vehicles become more widespread?
What would an ideal everyday life look like for children and young people as they develop technological skills? How can digital tools strengthen social relationships through platforms that are healthier and more constructive than today’s social media?
At a global level, populations are ageing across much of the West, while Africa and Southeast Asia are experiencing rapid population growth.
How can Denmark develop technologies that address these trends and serve these emerging markets?
And how can we build a Danish technology sector that, in an AI-driven future, creates competitive solutions on its own terms?
These are difficult questions. But if we do not attempt to answer them, entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and Shanghai—backed by massive capital—will continue to implement their visions of the future instead.
Denmark is known worldwide for its distinctive labour market model. There is no reason why we should not also develop a distinctly Danish digital model.
If Denmark wants to take strategic foresight seriously, we can learn from countries that already do.
Finland has conducted national strategic foresight exercises during every government term since 2003. All ministries contribute to a joint report identifying key trends and technologies affecting their policy areas.
This work is anchored in the Prime Minister’s Office and is designed to inform public debate and support political decision-making.
Japan offers another example. Through its Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI), chaired by the Prime Minister, Japan systematically develops long-term strategies for research, development, and innovation.
Both countries have years of experience using foresight to guide political priorities and public discussion. Because technology and innovation affect society as a whole, this work is placed at the highest political level.
At the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV), our message is clear: Denmark is a small country with limited resources. That makes it even more important that we shape our technological future based on our own values and ambitions.
Strategic foresight and Danish future scenarios are essential. Without them, Denmark will continue to make decisions in response to the visions of others.
At Digital Research Centre Denmark (DIREC), we see the same challenge. Digitalisation is everywhere—and nowhere. If we cannot clearly articulate the societal value created by digital technologies, politicians will struggle to make bold, long-term decisions.
A shared vision of a desirable future can mobilise investment, collaboration, and political courage.
The timing is right. Within a year, decisions will be made about Denmark’s research and innovation funding through the national research reserve. If those decisions are to be well-informed, the work must begin now.
Denmark could also follow Finland’s example and require the development of shared strategic foresight as part of all party platforms, political agreements, and ultimately a future government programme.
This opinion was published in Altinget, January 2026
