GEW 2009 saw the launch of the largest ever initiative aimed at promoting growth and entrepreneurship in Denmark. The Week took off on Monday when Danish Vice Prime Minister Mrs. Lene Espersen hosted a summit in Copenhagen. Mrs. Lene Espersen hosted a debate about the roles and responsibilities of different parts of society – the eco-system of entrepreneurship. 60 high level leaders from private businesses, the education sector, the consulting sector (public and private) and business organizations had been invited to join the summit and the debate. As part of the program Mr. Carl Schramm gave a video presentation on “Growth Opportunities during Times of Crisis”.

The main outcome was an agreement to a joint commitment to promote entrepreneurship and innovation from all key players, institutions and organisations in Denmark in order to ensure Denmark becomes one of the world’s most entrepreneurial economies by 2015. Today’s main event will be a conference on Women entrepreneurs with keynote speaker Dawn Gibbins, founder of Flowcrete Group and Barefoot.

The rest of the week will offer more than 100 events, advisory sessions, idea competitions, workshops and presentations across Denmark. These events are designed to appeal to a wide audience – from executives with growth ambitions to inventors in schools and students attracted to the idea of becoming entrepreneurs.