Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk expects to hire 6,000 new employees in Denmark through 2022, half of whom will work within R&D. According to a Novo Nordisk report, the new jobs will have the derived effect of boosting employment by more than 15,000 jobs nationally.

The analysis homes in on the value created in the interaction between growth businesses and public-sector research and education, as well as the challenges that must be solved so research-based businesses can continue to grow in Denmark.

"With the expectation of creating 6,000 new jobs in Denmark over the coming years, it will be crucial for Novo Nordisk that Denmark educates world-class graduates, but also focuses far more intently on attracting international talent," said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer.

The analysis presents new forecasts for the future availability of university graduates and Ph.D.s and questions whether Denmark is investing sufficiently in the frameworks necessary to provide strong research-based degree programs.