Danmark – landet med de store virksomheder

Congruently with the process of economic globalization after 1990, a small group of very large companies has become increasingly important in the Danish business structure. This development stands in stark contrast to the traditional perception of Denmark as a country characterized by small and medium-sized companies contrary to the neighbouring countries of Sweden and Germany. Focusing on Novo Nordisk, it is concluded that even individual companies have critical importance for the country’s economy, among other things in relation to tax payment, return on assets and derived employment. Whereas previous investigations of power have focused on the more structural conditions, the concentration trends in Danish business life should lead to a supplementary focus on the importance of the individual large corporations and the following position of power in Danish society. It is worth noting that the largest Danish companies represent several different sectors within manufacturing, logistics, services and the pharmaceutical and food industries.