Europe must focus on digital sovereignty and make better use of its strengths when it comes to data, talent and software. This means that Denmark and Europe must act, in the opinion of Marie Helene Andersson, Managing Director at DDSA.
The world is undergoing geopolitical turmoil, placing new demands on security in Denmark and across Europe – especially in the digitalised world we live in, as value creation and security are deeply intertwined with competitiveness and prosperity.
And it is time to act, emphasises Managing Director Marie Helene Andersson of the Danish Data Science Academy (DDSA), which represents data science in Denmark and works to advance the field nationwide because it is crucial to Danish competitiveness.
“We already have a strong position in several key areas in Denmark, including access to data, talent and computing power – and that story has perhaps not been sufficiently highlighted in the media. But the more high-quality data we have, the more value data science can create. It is only when data is processed – into new services, products or accurate predictions – that value returns to society. Denmark has excellent, high-quality data, but the quantity of data should not be underestimated, and we must continue collecting collective data. From a sovereignty perspective, data is relatively easy to keep within our own borders,” she says.
However, compared with other continents, Europe is not utilising its data sufficiently to generate value for itself.
“The business models that create substantial value rely on processing the vast amounts of data collected daily from our digital habits – what we call big data. Europe has the opportunity to increase value creation and become more competitive if we support businesses and the public sector in using their own and shared data sets to create value,” says Marie Helene Andersson.
Another aspect of sovereignty is access to talent and workforce. Here too, Denmark is well positioned, according to the DDSA Managing Director. She points out that Denmark and Europe have strengths we too rarely talk about – partly because digital giants outside Europe attract so much attention.
“Talent and workforce are essential, and Denmark already attracts international students and professionals who apply their expertise here. Europe offers a strong research environment in which many intellectuals can see themselves thriving. And we have a good work–life balance. But in the end, it’s about building a solid ecosystem where attractive companies, great career opportunities and competitive salaries play a major role. We must take a holistic approach to strengthen our competitiveness,” says Marie Helene Andersson.
Even in Denmark, she argues, we must rethink our approach. Denmark is one of the most digitalised countries in the world, with solutions such as Min Læge and Aula.
“But our digital services may not be exportable because they are built around our national characteristics and based on the welfare state rather than the individual citizen. I am concerned that we stay satisfied and by this miss innovative momentum. We need to be more self-critical and develop solutions that work not just for the Nordics, but for all of Europe.”
And we are capable of that. Denmark and Europe conduct excellent research, according to the DDSA Managing Director, across the board from cybersecurity and quantum technology to algorithms and explainable AI.
“We’re already well positioned. It’s true that we don’t have a hardware supply chain including chips. The US and China are ahead, and it will take many years to match that. But we can place great computing power in Europe and thereby gain partial independence. The Gefion supercomputer and the Magne quantum computer here in Denmark are great examples,” says Marie Helene Andersson.
Across our strengths on data, talent and software goes research itself, which is vital in the ongoing digital race:
“We must demonstrate a strong data science ecosystem in Denmark to attract top researchers and secure sufficient societal value. Together with Denmark’s highly skilled business sector, they must develop robust solutions that not only benefit Danish society and our companies but also contribute to Europe’s digital sovereignty. This could be decisive for the future of Denmark and Europe,” says Marie Helene Andersson.