Unlike most other industrial nations, industrial development in Denmark is not based on the occurrence of raw materials. The Danish industrial sector is largely made up of light manufacturing and reprocessing industries, and production is often characterized by a high degree of specialization in a particular well-defined field. Therefore, Danish industry is predominantly based on small and medium-sized companies. More than 80% of the country’s manufacturing companies employ less than 20 people. Only about 1000 companies employ more than 100 employees.

Danish industry covers a wide range of fields, but tends to emphasise niche products in high-tech areas relying on skilled staff, machines and equipment of a high technological standard.

Denmark’s agriculture and food industry has long held a strong international position. Although relatively small in size, Denmark is one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural products and processed foods. This is due to highly developed interaction between the primary and the processing sectors and an extensive range of service related industries.

Denmark is known worldwide for high-class competence within the fields of energy and environment and the export of environmental technology and know-how is growing. Denmark is especially known for the development and production of renewable and sustainable energy technology (wind, solar and hydro energy) as well as highly efficient waste management and district heating systems.