In the 2011 update a transition of Denmark into a green economy was highlighted as a priority for the new Government. Then Government has since then been working on preparing new initiatives for strengthening the existing framework for development of eco-innovation and clean-tech industries in Denmark. A number of priorities have been identified during 2012, e.g. with support from a Panel for Green Transition consisting of advisers representing the private sector, and in October the Panel delivered a list of 9 recommendations for the Minister of Environment. These will now be considered in the development of the Government's new business and growth policy. The 9 recommendations are as follows:

1. Develop and implement green innovative turnkey solutions showcasing pioneer technologies;
2. Support an intelligent development and implementation of the bio-based society;
3. Invest in sustainable water solutions and promote water efficiency;
4. Develop and implement a holistic resource strategy;
5. Focus on strategic priorities for international efforts;
6. Ensure skills and knowledge that strengthen green transition;
7. Promote resource efficiency and green transition through tenders and public procurement;
8. Ensure that it is beneficial for industries and consumers to act resource efficient; and
9. Review the regulatory framework to make it modern and to promote a holistic approach with focus on sustainable growth.

These recommendations are in line with the new programme for promoting Eco-innovation (MUDP - Miljøteknologisk Udviklings- og Demonstrations Program), which is established to support Danish enterprises in developing new eco-efficient solutions to meet Danish as well as global environmental challenges. Among others, it will focus on development of strategic partnerships, international cooperation and export with focus on BRIC-countries, support for development, test and (small-scale) demonstration of eco-efficient technology, and establishment of full scale solutions to prove the full potential of new solutions and new combinations of solutions. Priorities for 2012 will be water and climate mitigation, resources and waste, air pollution and noise, chemicals, and industrial enterprises. The Government will further, during 2012 – 2013, prepare a new resource strategy with initiatives that can contribute to a more resource-efficient society. It will focus on waste planning and waste prevention and on elements in new national energy agreement, which is linked to waste from biomass and natural gas.

Funded eco-innovation projects should contribute to the implementation of the resource strategy. In 2012, Calls for Project Proposals will focus on areas within construction and demolition waste - both in relation to waste prevention and recycling; solutions for recycling of metals and rare minerals from electronic waste; design of resource-efficient products, as part of the EU resource and product policy and the directive on eco-design, and collection and recycling of material resources in organic waste.

Overall, the focus is on linking eco-innovation with economic development, based on “Green Transition”. This is also highlighted in a recent report from OECD, which awards the region of Copenhagen to be in a leadership position in development of green industries and in fostering a green way of life. The focus on green transition has resulted in a growing clean-tech sector that fuels new employment. The Copenhagen Clean-tech Cluster (CCC) is key to this growth. Companies in the region have a combined turnover of €30 billion (2011) and at least €12 billion of this is directly related to clean-tech activities. The companies employ 78.000 people, and roughly 34,000 of these are working directly with clean-tech-related activities. In 2010, 44% of the clean-tech industries experienced employment growth, and only 9% experienced a decline. Green investment is thereby driving new business opportunities, and in the process generating demand for both new jobs and different types of jobs.