A STRONGER AND MORE SECURE DIGITAL DENMARK Denmark and the world are facing fundamental changes. Rapid ongoing digital developments are already changing the way in which we live, the way we run our businesses and the way our public services and welfare services are delivered. Technological developments have always played a role in altering the way in which we live, and new technologies have given us opportunities that not many of us would want to do without. The invention of the automobile gave us far more mobility and flexibility. Automation of processing and packaging processes within the food industry improved opportunities within supply and flexible consumption. Old job functions have become defunct and new ones have appeared in their place. We have seen it all before. However, the rate and evolutionary power of technological developments will accelerate in the years to come. Digital development will be so fast, profound and unpredictable that it will challenge and change society in ways we cannot even begin to imagine. 4 A STRONGER AND MORE SECURE DIGITAL DENMARK What the future will bring is now more uncertain than ever. Artificial intelligence, nano and biotechnologies, and the widespread use of Big Data are already at our doorstep. So, the future is now, not tomorrow! The new technologies provide a multitude of opportunities. However, this development also challenges society and demands change and transition. It is not whether or not the changes will happen, but how, as a society, we are prepared to adapt and to exploit the opportunities offered by the new technologies to produce more prosperity and welfare while still preserving the uniquely Danish sense of security and confidence in each other and in society. Digital Denmark Just as globalisation, digitisation raises many difficult questions. In a number of areas, Denmark is well prepared for what the future will bring. However, in other areas, we still have a lot to learn. Therefore, the public sector must work closely with the Danish business community, stakeholder organisa- tions, etc. to establish the basis for a flexible and adaptive society, ready for an ever more digitised world. The Digital Strategy 2016-2020 sets the course for Danish public sector digitisation efforts and their interaction with businesses and industry. Jointly with the businesses and public institutions at local, regional and central-government levels which on a daily basis take advantage of the opportunities provided by digitisation, this strategy will help build the basis for a strong and secure digital Denmark. Some initiatives are being launched now. Others will be defined or adjusted up until 2020 in response to the opportunities and challenges ahead. Therefore, this strategy will fully equip citizens, public employees and businesses for the digital Denmark of the future. The Government, Local Government Denmark, and Danish Regions WHO IS PARTICIPATING? The government Digital Strategies concern the authorities at all levels of government, from state, to regions to municipalities - i.e. both the administrative institutions such as ministries, agencies and the municipal and regional administrations, and the executive institutions such as hospitals, public schools, universities, etc. A STRONGER AND MORE SECURE DIGITAL DENMARK 5