India and Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, innovation and intellectual property (IP), with the fourth meeting of the India–Denmark Joint Working Group (JWG) held in Copenhagen from August 24 to 28, 2026.
The meeting brought together officials from India’s Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) to review ongoing cooperation and identify new areas for institutional collaboration. The discussions focused on strengthening the innovation ecosystem and creating greater opportunities for MSMEs and entrepreneurs in both countries.
Focus on Innovation and MSME Development
The JWG served as a platform for India and Denmark to exchange experiences on their respective MSME and innovation ecosystems. Participants discussed several areas of mutual interest, including technology adoption, innovation, intellectual property protection, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship and cluster-based development.
The deliberations highlighted the importance of enabling MSMEs to adopt new technologies, protect and commercialise intellectual property, and build stronger connections with research institutions and industry. Both sides explored ways to deepen institutional linkages and facilitate knowledge sharing that can contribute to sustainable MSME growth.
The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME. It included Md. Salik Parwaiz, Director; Ms. Bhagya Jagadiswaran, Assistant Director; and Ms. Swapna Vanamala, Faculty Member at the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme).
Engagement with Denmark’s Innovation Ecosystem
As part of the programme, the Indian delegation visited Aarhus University Innovation “Kitchen” and Agro Food Park. The visits provided an opportunity to understand Denmark’s approaches to innovation support, entrepreneurship and business clusters.
Discussions during the engagements covered mentoring mechanisms, start-up support, industry–academia collaboration and cluster-based models for assisting entrepreneurs and MSMEs. The exchange offered insights into how innovation institutions and business ecosystems can work together to support technology-driven enterprises.
The delegation also held discussions with the Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. The interaction covered business development, innovation and the broader SME ecosystem in Denmark, allowing officials from both sides to share perspectives on policies and institutional approaches.
Participation in Nordic–India Startup Summit
Dr. Rajneesh also led the Indian delegation’s participation in the Nordic–India Startup Summit 2026 organised by TechBBQ. The event brought together stakeholders from the Nordic start-up and innovation community and provided a platform to exchange views on India’s expanding MSME and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The participation further strengthened opportunities for engagement between Indian and Nordic innovation stakeholders, particularly in areas involving start-ups, technology and entrepreneurship.
Future Priorities Under JWG Framework
The concluding JWG discussions reviewed the progress and outcomes of earlier engagements and considered priorities for future cooperation. Both sides examined possibilities for expanding collaboration within the existing JWG framework and identifying complementary areas where India and Denmark can work together.
Ambassador of India to Denmark, Mr. Manish Prabhat, welcomed the successful functioning of the JWG mechanism and the growing depth of bilateral cooperation. He reiterated support for continued engagement and encouraged both countries to explore new avenues for collaboration.
The Danish delegation included Ms. Maria Skou, Deputy Director General, DKPTO; Mr. Mattias Dinnetz, Senior Advisor, International Cooperation, DKPTO; and Ms. Louise Boisen, Counsellor, Intellectual Property Rights, Royal Danish Embassy, New Delhi.
The meeting underscored the shared objective of promoting innovation- and IP-led growth among MSMEs. By facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening institutional partnerships and encouraging technology commercialisation and entrepreneurship, India and Denmark aim to create a stronger foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation in the MSME and innovation sectors.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
