This FDIB/PDIB to Copenhagen and Stockholm showcases the advancements and uniqueness of Nordic innovation and technology entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on the importance of sustainability in creating business solutions.

The Nordic business culture of collaboration and openness, as well as its focus on flat organizational structures, has led to a high concentration of innovative entrepreneurs and born-global companies, some of which are now leaders in their respective industries worldwide. Stockholm and Copenhagen are the birthplace of prominent innovative companies such as Ericsson, Skype, Spotify, Maersk, and Novo Nordisk, among others. The Nordics are also global leaders in developing sustainable solutions to today’s world challenges. They are proactively addressing global issues such as the need for clean energy, sustainable urban development, and access to finance and healthcare. Nordic politicians and CEOs have embraced the ideas of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Accord and have committed to industry practices that foster innovation while being responsible and inclusive.

The 2019 FDIB participants – US faculty and practitioners interested in innovation and entrepreneurship – had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the institutional frameworks and various ecosystems that foster a thriving culture of startup innovation. They were introduced to best practices in Nordic Innovation that can help companies enhance their competitiveness – such as recognizing and taking advantage of opportunities to internationalize early. Academic and business visits included Copenhagen Business School, Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Lund University, Alfa Laval, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Kista Science City, Business Sweden, and others.