Novo Nordisk's market value of $570 billion is now bigger than the entire Danish economy—creating a 'Nokia risk' for Denmark

Novo Nordisk's market value of $570 billion is now bigger than the entire Danish economy—creating a 'Nokia risk' for Denmark

Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical giant, has become Europe's most valuable company, surpassing the economic size of Denmark, its home country. The success of its diabetes and obesity drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, has led to a market capitalization of over $570 billion. This growth has significantly benefited the Danish economy, contributing to a nearly 2% expansion, driven by Novo's tax payments and investments.
However, Novo Nordisk's dominance in Denmark also presents risks, similar to the "Nokia risk" faced by Finland, where a single company's downturn impacted the entire national economy. Novo's influence extends across Danish society, affecting educational priorities, job creation, and even political decisions. This has raised concerns about the balance of power and the potential consequences of the company's future challenges on Denmark's economy and social structure.