Skip to main content

Introduction

This series examines the role of innovation and strategic partnerships in driving competitiveness in the Nordic region. It also explores how collaborative efforts enable companies in the region to realise new opportunities and maintain their competitive advantage, particularly during periods of uncertainty.
70d8f4cd-fef7-451f-b587-80514e374015


Strong Nordic partnerships

Carsten Egeriis, CEO at Danske Bank, shares his perspective on how successful Nordic businesses depend on global outlook, trust, and strong partnerships. Carsten frames competitiveness not just as innovation, but as access to capital, foresight, and collaboration that spans across business, government, and technology.
b8b02a05-6c1e-43c3-af6f-d7428596af88


Asking the right questions

For Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, Chairman of the board at Finnair, perspective means constructive conflict. It is about asking tough, future-focused questions that sharpen strategy. Sanna positions boards not as passive overseers, but as drivers of clarity, culture, and innovation, ensuring Nordic companies turn openness and curiosity into long-term competitiveness.
38a5a589-e563-4f79-994b-780855790a1f


Balancing clarity with courage

Geir Håøy, CEO at Kongsberg, frames sustainable competitiveness as balancing clarity with courage: managing risks while embracing curiosity, cross-disciplinary talent, and fast decision-making. For Nordic businesses this means moving beyond national competition to build ecosystems where innovation flows freely across industries and borders.
f0f98cce-8d98-4bca-b343-ad6cf212207e


Conclusion

The experts in this series have provided perspective on what is possible if we lean into our Nordic DNA. This DNA gives Nordic businesses a unique edge - a shared culture of trust, openness and long-term thinking. By building on this foundation, combining curiosity, innovation and collaboration can release even more potential for Nordic businesses.
35d1c744-fd40-4725-b8bf-7eabc0e3230a

Delve into more perspectives

Businesses are concerned about lack of innovation

A new survey shows that nearly one in three Nordic companies worry about falling behind on innovation, and experts warn that global competitors, especially China, are moving fast. Stronger partnerships and faster innovation cycles are key levers to keep Nordic companies competitive.
Read more

Nordic innovation requires strong governance

Increasing competition in an uncertain world makes it difficult to grow as a company. A new survey points to new markets and more innovation as possible solutions. But innovation calls for more than big ideas. It requires governance, leadership, trust, and a long-term perspective.
Read more

Share your perspective


Which lever of competitiveness do you see as most critical today?

 

Sharing your perspective is anonymous
  • 0 %
  • 0 %
  • 0 %

Insights from Danske Bank experts

At Danske Bank, our economists and analysts continually share their insights and perspectives on economies and financial markets. Their expertise aim to help individuals and businesses navigate an ever-changing financial landscape.

Visit indsigter.com (Danish)
Visit Danske Research (English)

We enable growth and development

For more than 150 years, Danske Bank has helped enable growth and development in society, and with long-term sustainable development as our enduring ambition, we will continue to work every day to be the best possible bank, for the benefit of our customers, employees, shareholders and the societies we are part of.

Our offerings and services

Navigating geopolitics and AI

How can we address the uncertainties we face caused by technological, geo-political and environmental changes?

See more

Sustain Tomorrow

Explore more perspectives, ideas and conversations to better understand how today’s choices shape a better tomorrow for Nordic societies, businesses and individuals.

Explore

Why Sustain Tomorrow?

Under the headline 'Sustain Tomorrow', Danske Bank invites experts, businesses and opinion makers to a dialogue about some of society's most pressing issues.

See more
This campaign has been prepared as marketing communication by Danske Bank A/S (“Danske Bank”) and does not constitute advice.

Reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the content is fair, true and not misleading. However, Danske Bank makes no representation to the content’s accuracy or completeness, including information obtained from a third party, and accepts no liability for any loss arising from relying on the information provided. The campaign reflects Danske Bank’s current view, which may be amended due to, including, but not limited to, future market conditions, and changes in regulation.