Social Economy in Europe: Denmark
Table of contents
Note: The data presented in this table derive from the OECD country fact-sheets and the European Commission DG GROW studies. Variations in scope, methodology and most recent available years may lead to differences in the headline figures across countries and with other sources.
Source: Data for Denmark relates to 2021 (CIRIEC; Euricse; European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (European Commission); Spatial Foresight, 2024[1]) (OECD CFS, 2023[2]), except data on the involvement with any social economy organisation as a volunteer relating to 2020-2025 (European Commission, 2025[3]).
There is no unified definition of the social economy in Denmark but there are acts to support registration of social enterprises. Social economy is often associated with work integration for marginalised individuals and collaboration between public sector and social enterprises (Jakobsen and Brink Lund, 2019[4]). The Act on Registered Social Enterprises (2014) sets the rules for becoming an officially recognised social enterprise (Kingdom of Denmark, 2014[5]) (European Commission, n.d.[6]).
Responsibility for the social economy is held by a collection of national government bodies. These include the Danish Business Authority, the Ministry of Business and Growth, the Ministry of Employment and the Danish Agency for the Labour Market and Recruitment. These bodies act to certify social economy enterprises. Support for social economy activities, in terms of strategy, capacity-building and network establishment, occurs primarily at the municipal level with the assistance of a wide array of private organisations.
Institutions
Social economy activity is the joint responsibility of several national bodies and ministries. The Danish Business Authority, the Ministry of Business and Growth, the Ministry of Employment and the Danish Agency for the Labour Market and Recruitment are all involved in oversight of strategy, policy and programming (OECD CFS, 2023[2]).
Competence
The Ministry of Business and Growth is responsible for driving business-related policies and oversees regulations that enable social enterprises to thrive within Denmark's broader business landscape. The Ministry of Employment focuses on policies related to social inclusion and employment, particularly in relation to social enterprises' role in integrating vulnerable groups into the labour market.
In 2014, the Danish Parliament passed the Act on Registered Social Economy Enterprises (LAW no. 711 of 25/06/2014), providing a legal basis for these entities (Kingdom of Denmark, 2014[5]). This was closely followed by the introduction of the "registered social enterprise" tool (registreret socialøkonomisk virksomhed, or RSV), which enhanced the visibility and recognition of social enterprises. This legal designation is facilitated by the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen), which oversees the registration process. To qualify for RSV status, enterprises must demonstrate their primary social purpose, ensuring that social objectives take precedence over profit maximisation. The registration process helps these enterprises gain visibility, access to funding, and a clearer legal identity.
There was a National Growth Centre for Social Enterprise which aimed to foster a robust ecosystem for social enterprises. This initiative was established in 2013 and complemented by the introduction of RSV. The centre, however, was closed by the end of 2015 and has led to a more fragmented landscape for social enterprises. Despite this, the Danish Business Authority continues to play a key role in guiding and supporting social enterprises, offering resources and regulatory oversight.
There is no current national strategy dedicated to social economy in Denmark. There are some related strategies to social economy (Gry Striegler and Folmer Buhelt, 2023[7]). The Danish Board of Business Development, for example, notes social inclusion as a focus in its 2020-2023 strategy. Overall, Denmark's approach to social enterprises has become more fragmented since 2015, with directives and support now often occurring at the local level rather than through a centralised national strategy.
Institutions
Denmark is a unitary state organised on a decentralised basis. A 2004 reform created five regions (Nordjylland, Midtjylland, Syddanmark, Sjælland and Hovedstaden) and, in 2007, the number of municipalities (kommuner) was reduced from 271 to 98. Regions and municipalities do not have legislative capacity but are responsible for matters which are not expressly conferred to the state. Regions tend to focus on health services, regional development, and public transportation while municipalities focus on education, housing, social services, and urban planning (European Committee of the Regions, n.d.[8]).
There is no clear evidence of regional-wide programmes dedicated to the social economy. In at least four of the regions, Hovedstaden (Capital Region of Denmark), Syddanmark (Region of Southern Denmark), Nordjylland (North Denmark Region) and Sjælland (Region Zealand), there are programmes relevant to social economy at the regional level or municipalities that enact programmes which align with the principles of social economy.
Competence
Regional programmes provide funding and financing options for innovative and sustainable business growth in different areas. For the period 2014-2020, Syddanmark supported a project called "Creativity and Entrepreneurship" (also known as Medstrøm), which aimed at increasing entrepreneurship and growth in the creative industries. This project, co-financed by the EU Social Fund with DKK 25.1 million, involved several municipalities including Svendborg, Vejle, Kolding, Faaborg-Midtfyn, Langeland, and Ærø. (Danish Business Authority, 2019[9]).
Regional activity relevant to social economy is usually the result of individual or collaborative municipal programmes. Initiatives are evident in specific municipalities in Hovedstaden, Nordjylland and Sjælland.
Institutions
There is no centralised municipal responsible for overseeing social economy policy however a significant number of municipalities support the development of social economy. Some municipalities reference social enterprise and social economy directly such as Aarhus, Copenhagen and the city Kalundborg. The municipalities of Copenhagen, Halsnaes and Kolding have established funding and support schemes to social enterprises and social entrepreneurs. Others are active through initiatives which align with the principles of social economy. Notable municipalities which have aligned programming include Bornholm, Ikast-Brande, and Silkeborg.
Competence
Danish municipalities have significant autonomy and responsibility in implementing social and economic policies. They handle about two-thirds of total public expenditure with have authority over many local services and, since 2007, have taken on additional responsibilities from the regions, including specialised social services, healthcare prevention, environmental protection, and regional roads (Nick, Kate and Dimitrova, 2021[10]). This means municipalities are active across a range of support mechanisms.
Municipalities develop both time-bound strategies relevant to social economy activity and general models for circularity. For some municipalities, strategies have taken the form of traditional strategic papers such as the Silkeborg Municipality’s formulation of a “Strategy for Establishing Social Enterprises in Silkeborg 2015-2020”, which has been renewed for the period 2020-2025 (Nielsen, 2022[11]). Beyond this, the “Kalundborg Model” of socio-economic symbiosis, materialised in their social enterprise support programme, has become a popular example of local strategic design for social economy. In 2013, the municipality of Ikast-Brande introduced a strategy, “Vision Vestergade”, to connect private and municipal efforts for social economy jobs and a more inclusive labour market. The strategy however was terminated in 2020 (Bach, 2013[12]).
There is evidence of financial support for social economy, especially through the provision of small funding schemes. In Aarhus, the municipal government has established the Council for Social Investments which seeks to promote specific social investments within the Social Investment Fund in order to supplement the existing social initiatives in Aarhus Municipality (Aarhus Municipality, n.d.[13]). For example, the municipalities of Rebild and Mariagerfjord, in the region of Himmerland, support projects on business development and new local jobs through the Local Action Group (LAG) funded by EU funds (LAG Himmerland, 2025[14]). While this is not explicitly targeted at social economy entities, they can also benefit from similar projects since impact and contribution to local development and co-operation are taken into account.
Most of the strategy, funding and advocacy of the social economy is decentralised to municipalities. Several large networks of co-operatives, social enterprises and non-governmental organisations exist to facilitate these activities, but there are no designated governmental mechanisms of co-operation.
Across multiple public authorities and/or levels of government
There are no national task forces or networks on social economy. The National Growth Centre for Social Enterprise was established at a similar time to the act of registered social economy enterprises but was closed in 2015. No other national initiatives have taken its place, though there are calls for such action (Striegler & Buhelt, 2023).
There are examples of collaborations and knowledge sharing across municipalities. This is not nationwide, but several examples exist. Silkeborg has hosted annual conferences where representatives from other municipalities seek inspiration from the “Silkeborg model for social enterprise”, and the microloan initiative developed in Aarhus was planned to be transferred to Copenhagen in 2013, albeit on a larger scale (Nielsen and Hulgård, 2019[15]). In 2010, the think-tank Mandag Morgen published a Danish strategy for social entrepreneurship, which has been developed in consultation with private and public sector representatives including municipalities, regions (such as Region of Southern Denmark) and state authorities (such as the Danish Business Authority) (Mandag Morgen, 2010[16]).
With social economy representatives
There are a number of private organisations which act to support social economy beyond the government. Kooperationen, established in 1922, works for co-operatives in Denmark and has more recently included social enterprises within its scope. They have held public consultations on employment legislation where public authorities have actively participated (Kooperationen, n.d.[17]). Selveje Danmark and Sociale Entreprenører Danmark, established around 2012, co-ordinate a network of NGOs and of social enterprises respectively. Selveje Danemark has established a close partnership with the Danish Chamber of Commerce (Selveje Danemark, n.d.[18]) while Social Entreprenører Danmark organises social economy conferences and events along stakeholders from the public sector (Social Entreprenører Danmark, n.d.[19]).
These organisations provide legal advice, engage in advocacy and strategy, facilitate knowledge access and capacity building and host events. Kooperationen provides legal and governance advice as well as professional legal counsel to over 300 members.
Several independent Danish networks and initiatives engage with policy makers to support social responsibility, labour market inclusion and social innovation. For instance, Akademiet for Social Innovation has collaborated with the public sector through the Danish Reform Commission to address social challenges set by the Danish government (Akademiet for Social Innovation, 2023[20]). Similarly, the Social Investment Fund collaborates with public authorities through their social investments targeted to social issues in municipalities or regions (Social Investment Fund, n.d.[21]). Additionally, the association Ligeværd partnered with municipalities to carry out the “Job Alliance” project (2019-2023), which focused on young people’s access to the job market (Ligeværd, 2025[22]).
Support from the public sector
Denmark's social economy ecosystem has experienced significant fluctuations over the past two decades, marked by periods of governmental support followed by decentralisation and reliance on municipal and private initiatives. Between 2006 and 2007, the Danish Parliament awarded substantial grants to establish the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Roskilde University and the Centre for Social Economy by the co-operative organisation Kooperationen, aiming to build competencies and promote social entrepreneurship (Andersen, Hulgard and Joakobsen, 2021[24]). Further developments occurred in 2013 and 2014 with the creation of the National Growth Centre for Social Enterprise, the Committee of Social Enterprises, and the adoption of the Act on Registered Social Enterprises, alongside the publication of a National Strategy for Social Enterprises (European Commission: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Chodorkoff, Lise; Hulgård, Lars, 2019[25]; Andersen, Hulgard and Joakobsen, 2021[24]). However, post-2015, central government attention waned, leading to the closure of several initiatives and a shift of responsibilities to various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Business and Growth and the Ministry of Employment (Andersen, Hulgard and Joakobsen, 2021[24]). Currently, while most public funds do not specifically target social economy entities, they can access general funding instruments. Notably, the Social Investment Fund, established in 2018, provides dedicated support through investments and market development activities (The Social Investment Fund, n.d.[26]). Additionally, the Danish Export and Investment Fund (EIFO), formed in 2022 by merging three state funds, offers loans to a wide range of organisations, including non-profits, thereby contributing to the financial support landscape for social economy entities in Denmark (Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, 2024[27]).
Support from the private sector
Denmark's social economy ecosystem is predominantly driven by a dynamic network of private organisations that provide comprehensive support to social enterprises through legal assistance, capacity building, advocacy, financing, and international collaboration. Kooperationen, a longstanding co-operative association, offers legal advice, entrepreneurial support, and training, and was instrumental in establishing the Centre for Social Economy in 2007 (Kooperationen, n.d.[28]). Social Entrepreneurs in Denmark (SED) serves as a national platform promoting social entrepreneurship by providing resources, organising events, and facilitating dialogue between social enterprises and municipalities (Social Entrepreneur Denmark, n.d.[29]). Cabi, a non-profit knowledge centre, supports socially responsible labour market practices by offering tools and guidance to companies and municipalities (Cabi, n.d.[30]). The Social Development Centre (SUS) collaborates with various stakeholders to develop innovative solutions addressing complex societal challenges (SUS, n.d.[31]). The Danish Social Innovation Academy fosters systemic change by providing training courses and building a community of leaders across sectors (Danish Social Innovation Academy, n.d.[32]).
Danish social economy organisations actively engage in cross-border projects to promote the sector. The SKI.F.T. project, led by Kooperationen, supports micro and small social economy enterprises in their green transition by offering mentoring, business development, and financial support (SKI.F.T., 2025[33]). Similarly, the Nordic Social Entrepreneurship 3.0 (NSE 3.0) programme, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and developed by various Nordic actors including SED, provides a free online course to help social entrepreneurs develop and start social enterprises (Social Entrepreneurship Network in the Baltic Sea Region, 2022[34]).
Denmark benefits from a robust and diversified private financing ecosystem that supports social economy entities through dedicated impact investment funds. Den Sociale Kapitalfond is Scandinavia’s first social impact investment fund, specialising in investments that generate both financial returns and measurable social outcomes. Operating through two primary vehicles – Invest and Effekt funds – it targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as welfare-oriented initiatives within Denmark. The Invest funds focus on SMEs with strong growth potential and a commitment to social responsibility, while the Effekt funds collaborate with municipalities and social organisations to develop innovative welfare solutions (Den Social Kapitalfond, n.d.[35]). Complementing these efforts, Nordea-fonden is a prominent charitable foundation that annually distributes approximately EUR 120 million to projects promoting health, exercise, nature, and culture in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The foundation emphasises activities of high quality that actively involve a broad segment of the population, aiming to enhance the quality of life and well-being across communities (Nordea-Fonden, n.d.[36]).
Merkur Cooperative Bank plays a pivotal role in Denmark's social economy by providing tailored financial services that prioritise social, environmental, and ethical considerations. It operates as a values-based co-operative bank, offering financial advice and lending to both individuals and businesses committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The bank supports a range of initiatives, including for-profit enterprises with sustainable goals and non-profit organisations, with a particular focus on regional and rural areas (Merkur Cooperative Bank, n.d.[37]). Merkur's commitment to sustainable development is further evidenced by its co-founding of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, a network dedicated to advancing positive business models that integrate sustainable economic, social, and environmental objectives. In 2023, Merkur partnered with the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the InvestEU programme to mobilise up to EUR 21 million in new financing for Danish SMEs, aiming to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and greener economy (European Commission, 2023[38]).
Danish philanthropic foundations also play a significant role in supporting the social economy through targeted funding and strategic initiatives. The Velux Fonden, for instance, supports projects aimed at rethinking and developing social initiatives to foster inclusion within society's communities (VELUX Foundation, n.d.[39]). Similarly, the Villum Foundation allocates substantial grants to social projects, including those in Eastern and Central Europe, focusing on improving conditions for socially at-risk children and adolescents (VILLUM Foundation, n.d.[40]). The Obel Family Foundation contributes to the social economy by supporting initiatives focused on mental health, social inclusion, and community development. Notably, in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, it awarded grants totalling EUR 24 million to enhance mental healthcare services for children and adolescents in the North Denmark Region (Obel Family Foundation, n.d.[41]). The Hempel Foundation, combining business ownership with philanthropic engagement, funds projects in education, biodiversity, and social initiatives, particularly targeting vulnerable children and young people in Denmark and Greenland. In 2024, the foundation made its highest annual contribution to date, advancing education, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening social initiatives in Denmark (Hempel Foundation, n.d.[42]). A distinctive feature of the Danish landscape is that many of these foundations operate within an “enterprise-foundation” model or hold controlling stakes in major companies. The Novo Nordisk Foundation, for example, is the majority voting shareholder of the healthcare company Novo Nordisk A/S via its wholly owned subsidiary, Novo Holdings A/S. It holds approximately 28% of share capital, but over 75% of voting rights, thereby linking philanthropic and commercial activity within a long-term ownership structure (Ørberg, 2024[43]).
Support from the public sector
Danish municipalities actively promote the social economy through locally tailored strategies, dedicated support services, and recognition initiatives (Andersen, Hulgard and Joakobsen, 2021[24]). Municipalities such as Billund, Jammerbugt, and Hillerød have implemented comprehensive approaches to foster social entrepreneurship and inclusive employment. Billund Municipality actively promotes the establishment and registration of social economy enterprises by providing access to dedicated consultants and collaborating with local job centres. It also annually awards a Social Enterprise Prize to initiatives that successfully integrate marginalised and vulnerable individuals into the labour market. Similarly, Jammerbugt Municipality encourages social enterprise development by highlighting available resources and support services on its website, including access to dedicated consultants and collaboration with job centres (Jammerbugt Kommune, n.d.[44]). Hillerød Municipality, through its strategy approved in 2019, prioritises social economy and corporate social responsibility initiatives. This strategy aims to develop social enterprises, support inclusive employment, and integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into municipal policies. The municipality supports entrepreneurs and social enterprises by offering guidance, encouraging partnerships, and recognising socially responsible businesses (Hillerød Kommune, n.d.[45]). Collectively, these municipal actions contribute to strengthening local communities and promoting territorial cohesion.
Support from the private sector
Local private institutions in Denmark often collaborate with municipalities to provide education, incubation, and support services to social economy actors. This decentralised support structure is particularly valuable in light of fragmented national policies. Kaospilot, for example, is a globally recognised educational institution specialising in creative leadership and meaningful entrepreneurship. Its flagship three-year Enterprising Leadership Programme equips students with entrepreneurial skills, adaptive mindsets, and leadership abilities to drive positive societal change. The programme emphasises real-world projects, team-based learning, and personal development, preparing graduates to navigate complexity and foster innovation across various sectors (Kaospilot, n.d.[46]).
Despite Denmark's robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, only few incubators and accelerators are dedicated to social entrepreneurship. Greencubator, serves as a non-profit co-working space and events house supporting social entrepreneurship and sustainable business. It provides members with an inspiring workplace, a strong professional network, and opportunities for personal development alongside business growth. Greencubator aims to inspire engagement in the green transition and personal development, welcoming individuals regardless of their active participation in social entrepreneurship (Greencubator, n.d. [28]). Located in the North of Denmark, Scale Incubator is an early-stage incubator supporting entrepreneurial ideas with the potential to evolve into sustainable businesses. It offers practical support and guidance to start-ups, providing learning tools on key topics such as marketing, sales, and business development. Additionally, Scale Incubator assists start-ups in securing funding to grow their operations (Scale Incubator, n.d.[47]).
Foundations may apply for recognition as serving a public-benefit purpose as non-profits (almennyttig) or as charitable organisations (almenvelgørende) (Philea, 2024[48]). This recognition is assessed based on the following criteria set out in Executive Regulation no. 1656/2018:
Beneficiaries must be objectively defined and not restricted to a specific group (i.e. more than 35 000 individuals)
Activities must serve general public interest purposes, either in Denmark or abroad
The foundation must have a public-benefit purpose, a principal office in the EU/EEA, and more than 100 donors per year from the EU/EEA
Associations, including voluntary social organisations, may carry out income-generating activities as long as the surplus is reinvested in the organisation’s mission (European Commission, 2023[49]). Foundations, regulated under the Foundation Act or the Enterprise Foundation Act, may conduct economic activities (Philea, 2024[48]). Enterprise foundations specifically engage in economic activity themselves or control companies that do.
Associations that qualify as public benefit organisations must file income tax declarations with the tax authorities (European Commission, 2023[49]). If an association has employees, it is treated as any other employer: it must withhold taxes and social contributions, report these payments to the Danish Tax Agency (Skattestyrelsen) and submit salary and fee reports accordingly.
For enterprise foundations, reporting obligations include mandatory annual reporting and auditing under the Enterprise Foundation Act and Annual Reports Act (ARL §§ 69–114) (Philea, 2024[48]). Reports must include salaries, related party transactions, board report on governance, disbursement policies, as well as an audit by a certified external auditor (EFL § 69). Annual reports are submitted to and published by the Danish Business Authority (DBA), which also conducts random checks. For non-enterprise foundations, audits are required only if the endowment is over DKK 3 million (approximately EUR 400 000) (FL §§ 23–25). Foundations below DKK 1 million (approximately EUR 135 000) are subject to customary law and are not audited but must maintain a governing board and report if requested.
References
[13] Aarhus Municipality (n.d.), Rådet for Sociale Investeringer, https://aarhus.dk/demokrati/politik/raad-og-naevn/specifikke-maalgrupper/raadet-for-sociale-investeringer/.
[20] Akademiet for Social Innovation (2023), Akademiet for Social Innovation - Homepage, https://www.akademietforsocialinnovation.dk/.
[24] Andersen, L., L. Hulgard and G. Joakobsen (2021), Social Enterprise in Denmark - Historical, Contextual and Conceptual Aspects, Routledge, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429055140-2-4.
[12] Bach, P. (2013), Vision Vestergade, https://socialeentreprenorer.dk/2013/10/28/vision-vestergade/.
[30] Cabi (n.d.), About Cabi, https://www.cabiweb.dk/om-cabi/ (accessed on March 2025).
[1] CIRIEC; Euricse; European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (European Commission); Spatial Foresight (2024), Benchmarking the socio-economic performance of the EU social economy, https://doi.org/10.2826/880860.
[9] Danish Business Authority (2019), The Regional Development Fund and the Social Fund in Denmark 2014 - 2020, https://udviklingidanmark.erhvervsstyrelsen.dk/sites/default/files/2022-03/citizens_summary_2019.pdf.
[27] Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities (2024), The Kingdom of Denmark’s First Biennal Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/DNK-BTR1-2024.pdf.
[32] Danish Social Innovation Academy (n.d.), We are and do, https://en.akademietforsocialinnovation.dk/det-vi-gor (accessed on March 2025).
[35] Den Social Kapitalfond (n.d.), About us, https://densocialekapitalfond.dk/en/about-us/ (accessed on March 2025).
[3] European Commission (2025), “Social economy in the life of Europeans - Denmark”, https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3356.
[38] European Commission (2023), InvestEU: EIF and Merkur join forces to mobilise up to DKK 160 million in new lending to foster sustainability, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_901 (accessed on March 2025).
[49] European Commission (2023), “Relevant taxation frameworks for Social Economy Entities”.
[52] European Commission (2020), Social enterprises and their ecosystems in Europe. Comparative synthesis report, https://social-economy-gateway.ec.europa.eu/document/download/36c89e9b-63e9-41a4-aa41-4f3fc89a24c8_en?filename=Thematic_discussion_paper_WS1_0.pdf.
[6] European Commission (n.d.), Social Economy at Glance - Denmark, https://social-economy-gateway.ec.europa.eu/my-country/denmark_en.
[25] European Commission: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Chodorkoff, Lise; Hulgård, Lars (2019), Social Enterprises and their Ecosystems in Europe - Country Report Denmark, Publications Office of the European Union, https://doi.org/10.2767/78.
[8] European Committee of the Regions (n.d.), Division of powers - Denmark, https://portal.cor.europa.eu/divisionpowers/Pages/Denmark-Introduction.aspx.
[7] Gry Striegler, S. and A. Folmer Buhelt (2023), Op-Ed: Sweden and Germany have a national strategy for social innovation. It’s time we follow suit, https://ddc.dk/op-ed-sweden-and-germany-have-a-national-strategy-for-social-innovation-its-time-we-follow-suit/.
[42] Hempel Foundation (n.d.), Social Initiatives, https://hempelfoundation.com/social-initiatives-in-denmark (accessed on March 2025).
[45] Hillerød Kommune (n.d.), Procurement and tendering, https://www.hillerod.dk/service-og-selvbetjening/leverandor-til-kommunen/indkob-og-udbud/ (accessed on March 2025).
[4] Jakobsen, G. and A. Brink Lund (2019), “Defining “Social Economy Impact” in a Danish EU-context”, CIRIEC 2019. Social and Solidarity Economy: Moving Towards a New Economic System: Book of Abstracts, pp. 150-151, https://research.cbs.dk/en/publications/defining-social-economy-impact-in-a-danish-eu-context.
[44] Jammerbugt Kommune (n.d.), Social entrepreneurship, https://www.jammerbugt.dk/vores-kommune/vaekst-jammerbugt-dit-lokale-erhvervskontor/ivaerksaetteri/socialt-ivaerksaetteri/ (accessed on March 2025).
[46] Kaospilot (n.d.), Our History, https://www.kaospilot.dk/history/ (accessed on March 2025).
[5] Kingdom of Denmark (2014), The Act on Registered Social Enterprises, https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2014/711.
[28] Kooperationen (n.d.), Kooperationen, https://kooperationen.dk/english/ (accessed on March 2025).
[17] Kooperationen (n.d.), Kooperationen - Politics, https://kooperationen.dk/politik/politik/.
[14] LAG Himmerland (2025), Himmerland 2022-2027 - Subsidy, https://www.lag-himmerland.dk/tilskud/.
[22] Ligeværd (2025), The Job Alliance, https://www.ligevaerd.dk/om-ligevaerd/projekter/joballiancen/.
[16] Mandag Morgen (2010), Welfare entrepreneurs, https://www.mm.dk/artikel/velfaerdens-ivaerksaettere/.
[37] Merkur Cooperative Bank (n.d.), Who are we?, https://merkur.dk/privat/artikler/english/ (accessed on March 2025).
[50] Ministry of Taxation (2021), Fondsbeskatningsloven (Taxation Act for Foundations), https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2021/700 (accessed on 1 July 2025).
[51] Ministry of Taxation (2005), Selskabsskatteloven (Act on Income Taxation of Limited Liability Companies)), https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2005/1125 (accessed on 1 July 2025).
[10] Nick, B., K. Kate and N. Dimitrova (2021), “Systems of local governance and how citizens participate: international review”, Local Governance Review, https://www.gov.scot/publications/systems-local-governance-citizens-participate-international-review/pages/1/.
[15] Nielsen, E. and E. Hulgård (2019), Network and Partnerships in a Local Eco-system for Social Enterprise. Paper presented at 7th EMES International Research Conference on Social Enterprise, https://www.ucviden.dk/en/publications/network-and-partnerships-in-a-local-eco-system-for-social-enterpr.
[11] Nielsen, N. (2022), Arbejdspapir om ”Silkeborg Kommunes strategi for etablering af socialøkonomiske virksomheder 2015-2020”: Arbejdspapir om ”Silkeborg Kommunes strategi for etablering af socialøkonomiske virksomheder 2015-2020” og det videre arbejde med ”Strategi for social, https://www.ucviden.dk/en/publications/arbejdspapir-om-silkeborg-kommunes-strategi-for-etablering-af-soc.
[36] Nordea-Fonden (n.d.), About Nordea-Fonden, https://nordeafonden.dk/about-nordea-fonden (accessed on March 2025).
[41] Obel Family Foundation (n.d.), Who are we?, https://obel.com/om-os/ (accessed on March 2025).
[2] OECD CFS (2023), Denmark - Country Fact Sheet, https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/topics/policy-sub-issues/social-economy-and-social-innovation/country-fact-sheets/country-fact-sheet-denmark.pdf.
[43] Ørberg, M. (2024), “Enterprise Foundations and Faithful Agency as Drivers of Sustainable Long-Termism in Philanthropy”, European Business Organization Law Review, Vol. 25/4, pp. 765-807, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40804-024-00324-7.
[48] Philea (2024), “Denmark: Legal Environment for Philanthropy in Europe”, https://philea.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Denmark-Philea-2024-Legal-Environment-for-Philanthropy-in-Europe.pdf (accessed on 8 April 2025).
[47] Scale Incubator (n.d.), Founders-First Incubator, https://scale-incubator.com/about-us/ (accessed on March 2025).
[18] Selveje Danemark (n.d.), Selveje Danemark - About us, https://www.selveje.dk/om-selveje-danmark/.
[33] SKI.F.T. (2025), Press Releases - SKI.F.T. Skills for Transition, https://skift.kooperationen.dk/communication/press-releases/ (accessed on March 2025).
[29] Social Entrepreneur Denmark (n.d.), What we do, https://socialeentreprenorer.dk/english/what-we-do/ (accessed on March 2025).
[34] Social Entrepreneurship Network in the Baltic Sea Region (2022), Nordic Social Entrepreneurship 3.0, https://socialenterprisebsr.net/2022/03/nordic-social-entrepreneurship-3-0/ (accessed on March 2025).
[19] Social Entreprenører Danmark (n.d.), Social Entreprenører Danmark - Homepage, https://socialeentreprenorer.dk/english/.
[21] Social Investment Fund (n.d.), DSI as a social investor, https://dsi.dk/dsi-som-investor/.
[23] Sociale Entreprenører Danmark (2024), Young Social Entrepreneurship – How to start and work in new visionary ways, https://socialeentreprenorer.dk/arrangementer/afholdte-arrangementer/young-social-entrepreneurship-how-to-start-and-work-in-new-visionary-ways-30-5-2024-english/.
[31] SUS (n.d.), Who we are, https://sus.dk/om-sus/ (accessed on March 2025).
[26] The Social Investment Fund (n.d.), The Social Investment Fund, https://dsi.dk/ (accessed on March 2025).
[39] VELUX Foundation (n.d.), Strategy 2030.
[40] VILLUM Foundation (n.d.), Purpose and Strategy.
This work is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD and the President of the European Commission. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the OECD Member countries or of the European Union.
The names of countries and territories and maps used in this joint publication follow the practice of the OECD.
This document was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.
This document, as well as any data and map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.
Note by the Republic of Türkiye
The information in this document with reference to “Cyprus” relates to the southern part of the Island. There is no single authority representing both Turkish and Greek Cypriot people on the Island. Türkiye recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Until a lasting and equitable solution is found within the context of the United Nations, Türkiye shall preserve its position concerning the “Cyprus issue”.
Note by all the European Union Member States of the OECD and the European Union
The Republic of Cyprus is recognised by all members of the United Nations with the exception of Türkiye. The information in this document relates to the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
@OECD 2025
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
This work is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. By using this work, you accept to be bound by the terms of this licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Attribution – you must cite the work.
Translations – you must cite the original work, identify changes to the original and add the following text: In the event of any discrepancy between the original work and the translation, only the text of original work should be considered valid.
Adaptations – you must cite the original work and add the following text: This is an adaptation of an original work by the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed in this adaptation should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its Member countries.
Third-party material – the licence does not apply to third-party material in the work. If using such material, you are responsible for obtaining permission from the third party and for any claims of infringement. You must not use the OECD logo, visual identity or cover image without express permission or suggest the OECD endorses your use of the work.
Any dispute arising under this licence shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Permanent Court.