This week, the trades and European affairs minister, Nick Hækkerup (Socialdemokraterne), and Mandag Morgen newspaper presented an ‘export canon’ in the hall of Copenhagen's former stock exchange, Børsen.
While previous similar lists, such as the Danish Culture Canon, were made for educational purposes, Hækkerup has targeted his list at businesses.
The canon lists Danish companies that have made “extraordinary” accomplishments on the global market since 1989.
READ MORE: Exporters breathe sigh of relief as Eurozone moves out of recession
More focus on export
A jury of seven experts and business executives selected 30 finalists amongst 300 candidates.
The companies were chosen because they have been the “driving forces” behind the nation's export industry, and they are supposed to inspire other companies to venture out into the global market.
Combined, the 30 companies turn over a total of 850 billion kroner each year and employ more than 75,000 in Denmark.
“Every time we increase export by one billion kroner, we create 600-700 new jobs nationally,” Hækkerup said when he presented the canon at Børsen. “That is why we hope that our export canon will encourage more businesses to follow suit and focus on export.”
READ MORE: Exporters looking for new markets
On Wednesday Mandag Morgen newspaper published the export canon on its website, along with profiles and the lessons learned from each company.
The list of selected companies is as follows:
Carlsberg, DSV, Falck, FL Smidth, Fritz Hansen, Haldor Topsøe, Henning Larsen Architects, IO Interactive, ISS, Mærsk Line, Novasol, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novozymes, Foss Analytical A/S, Oticon, Welltec A/S, Coloplast, Arla Foods, Danske Commodities A/S, Designit, Grundfos, Siemens Windpower, Systematic, Bestseller, DLF Trifolium, Ecco, Fertin Pharma A/S, Orana, Universal Robots, Lego.
You can download the full catalogue (in Danish) here.
