New Life Science Barometer: The state of Danish Life Science

The Danish Life Science industry plays a major role in the Danish economy. In fact, the sector has become so significant that recent economic analyses increasingly measure Denmark’s economy both with and without the contribution from the Life Science industry.

At the same time, the latest figures from our Life Science Barometer point to slower growth than in previous years. One explanation is intensifying international competition – particularly from the United States and China.

Gender imbalance in Life Science leadership

The barometer also shows that progress towards greater gender equality in executive management and boards has stalled.

Although the Life Science industry has a higher proportion of female executives than the Danish business sector overall, only 21% of executives are women. This underlines the need for continued focus on gender equality in both executive teams and boards.

Our Chairman, Stine Hasling Mogensen, says in an article for MedWatch:

“The gender distribution among employees is almost equal when looking at both headcount and full-time positions. That is why it is a significant imbalance that only 21% of executives in the Life Science industry are women.”

Read the full article on MedWatch (in Danish)

Shortage of specialised talent

The shortage of highly specialised talent remains one of the biggest challenges facing the Danish Life Science industry.

The Danish government’s Life Science strategy towards 2030 sets out a clear ambition: Denmark should become Europe’s leading Life Science nation – and access to qualified talent is a critical prerequisite for achieving that goal.

Companies are actively working to recruit highly educated professionals in Denmark while also attracting international specialists. However, global competition for talent is increasing, making access to the necessary skills more uncertain.