Handelskammer Talks - Podcast by the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce

Circular economy is redefining how regions create value and competitiveness. By closing material loops and promoting resource efficiency, circular systems stimulate innovation, attract investment, and strengthen industrial ecosystems. As businesses and policymakers align on sustainable growth, circular economy is becoming a central driver of regional development and long-term resilience.

On 22 October at 8.30, Hanne Klintøe, Head of PtX Development, Aabenraa Kommune, will join Andreas Wenzel for a coffee and share her insights.

Aabenraa Kommune is advancing Denmark’s green transition by focusing on Power-to-X and renewable energy. It works to unlock the opportunities arising from current and upcoming PtX facilities by attracting partners, investors, and related industries. Through this effort, Aabenraa aims to strengthen local employment, education, and innovation, turning green energy into a key driver of sustainable regional growth.

The topics for the 30-minute talk will be:

• Aabenraa’s strategic transformation towards a circular hub: How Aabenraa’s approach to circular economy fosters innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens the 
  business landscape.
• Green transition as a competitiveness strategy: How companies can translate circular economy principles into economic value and market advantage — and how 
  municipalities and local actors can help unlock this potential through frameworks, partnerships, and infrastructure.
• Cross-border collaboration for sustainable value creation: How Aabenraa’s green agenda contributes to a resilient and future-oriented economy within the German-Danish regional context.

Industrial automation is gaining momentum in Denmark as companies seek to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and address labour shortages. New technologies such as robotics, AI, and digital process control are being integrated into production environments across industries. This development presents both strategic opportunities and practical challenges for companies operating in or with the Danish market.

Beckhoff Automation is a global technology company specialising in PC-based control and open automation systems. Founded in Germany, the company develops hardware and software solutions for industrial automation across sectors. Beckhoff operates internationally and is known for its innovations such as EtherCAT and TwinCAT. The company works closely with partners in manufacturing, energy, and building technology to advance intelligent automation. 

The topics for the 30-minute talk will be:

• Trends of Industrial Automation in Denmark
• Opportunities for German-Danish collaboration in Industrial Automation
• AI Integration for Predictive Maintenance and Sustainable Manufacturing

Denmark is strengthening its strategic position as a gateway for cross-border investments, driven by attractive market dynamics, evolving regional opportunities, and a supportive regulatory environment. At the same time, several Danish regions are gaining attention for their development potential, particularly within infrastructure, tourism, and urban growth. In parallel, German real estate remains a stable and attractive option for investors seeking long-term value and diversification. 

On 22 May at 8.30, Andreas Fuchs, CEO, Robert C. Spies, joined Andreas Wenzel for a coffee and shared his insights.

Robert C. Spies, founded in 1919, is a renowned German real estate consultancy with a growing presence in the Nordics. The company stands for long-term partnerships, local expertise, and a strategic approach to real estate across all asset classes.

The topics for the 30-minute talk were:

• Strategic Expansion: Why Robert C. Spies has chosen Denmark as a key market for cross-border real estate investments.
• Regional Market Opportunities: Unlocking growth potential along the Danish coastline, in metropolitan Copenhagen, and around the Fehmarnbelt connection.
• Investment Perspectives: Why Germany remains a highly attractive real estate destination for Danish companies and investors.

Mobility in Denmark is undergoing significant transformation, driven by new technologies, shifting customer needs, and a strong focus on sustainability. The growing demand for responsible solutions is prompting companies and policymakers to rethink fleet management and adapt to changing mobility patterns. These developments will shape the future of the Danish transport landscape and open new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

On 29 April at 8.30, Henrik Isaksen, CEO, SIXT Denmark, will join Andreas Wenzel for a coffee and share his insights.

Henrik brings over 35 years of experience in shaping Denmark’s mobility sector. He has held leading roles at Mercedes Leasing Europe and GE Capital and founded key companies such as AutoLease, Clever, GreenMobility, and SIXT Denmark, which he has led for more than 20 years. Today, SIXT Denmark is part of the global SIXT network, operating in over 105 countries and offering flexible mobility solutions for private and business customers. 

The topics for the 30-minute talk will be:

• The State and Future of Danish Mobility
• Sustainability, Responsibility & Fleet Transformation
• Changing Customer Needs and Mobility Habits

Germany has held its federal election, which will shape the country’s political and economic future. As Europe's largest economy and a key player in the EU, the election results will not only impact Germany but also have significant implications for its international partnerships – including its cooperation with Denmark. The new political landscape will influence policies on energy, trade, and security, making it essential to analyze the key takeaways and future directions.

On 26 March Lykke Friis, Director of Think Tank EUROPA, joined Andreas Wenzel for a coffee and shared her insights.

Lykke Friis is the Director of Think Tank EUROPA and an expert on European as well as German politics. With a background as Denmark’s Minister for Climate and Energy and Prorector at the University of Copenhagen, she brings deep insights into German-Danish relations, EU affairs, and international policy developments.

The topics for the 30-minute talk were:

• The election results: What do they mean for Germany and Europe?
• Germany's new political landscape: Key priorities and challenges
• The impact on Danish-German cooperation: What implications can we expect?

Geothermal energy utilizes the Earth's natural heat to provide clean and reliable district heating solutions. As pioneers in this field, Germany and Denmark are advancing innovative projects that combine cutting-edge technology, supportive policy frameworks, and cross-border collaboration.

On 4 Februay at 8.30 Stephan Ghisler-Solvang, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Innargi, joined us for a coffee and shared his insights.

Innargi is a pioneer in the field of geothermal energy, making strides in advancing sustainable solutions for district heating. In recognition of their work, Innargi was awarded the 2024 German-Danish Newcomer of the Year by the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce.

 The topics for our 30-minute talk was:

• What is geothermal energy in district heating? 
• Project Development in Germany and Denmark 
• Societal Acceptance and Sustainability

The robotics industry in Denmark and Germany thrives on innovation and collaboration, driving technological advancements, fostering sustainable solutions, and creating strong ecosystems that support growth, competitiveness and cross-border partnerships.
 
Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO, Odense Robotics, joined us for a coffee and 
shared his insights. 
 
Odense Robotics unites the entire ecosystem to foster innovation and support industry growth across Denmark. In recent years, Denmark’s robotics, automation, and drone sector has expanded rapidly, becoming a hub for global market leaders, fast-growing startups, and cutting-edge research. Odense Robotics plays a key role in helping companies in these fields scale and innovate.

The topics for our 30-minute talk were:
• What defines the Danish robotics cluster’s unique state of mind, and how has it adapted to industry trends? 
• How can we strengthen robotics awareness and acceptance in Denmark and Germany, considering societal influences? 
• What role do SMEs and new applications play in connecting Danish and German ecosystems to drive competitiveness?

Sustainable architecture and engineering represent a critical shift in the way buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed, and maintained.

Stefanie Weidner, Managing Director, Werner Sobek AG and as such responsible for Werner Sobek København, will join Andreas Wenzel for a coffee and share her insights.

Werner Sobek is a leader in sustainable architecture and engineering, known for pioneering innovative solutions that combine aesthetics with the highest standards of sustainability. Werner Sobek‘s aim is to realize sustainable and emissions-free structures. Werner Sobek was awarded the German Company of the Year 2023 by the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding contributions to the field and their growing engagement in Denmark.

The topics for the 30-minute talk will be:

• The Triple Zero Concept
  
  
• Building with and in the Existing Stock
  
  
• Integral Planning and Digitalization

On 10 October at 8.30 Jaume Arau Canal, Managing Director of our premium partner Bayer Denmark, joined Andreas Wenzel for a coffee and shared his insights.

The future of agriculture is set to be transformed by technology and digital solutions, bringing increased efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

Bayer is a global leader in life sciences, with a strong focus on advancing health and nutrition through innovative agricultural practices. In Denmark and across the Nordics, Bayer is not only driving forward traditional farming but also pioneering new approaches to agriculture that address the pressing challenges of our time.

The topics for the 30-minute talk were :

• Why do we farm?
• Agriculture of tomorrow
• Digital solutions for agriculture