Denmark’s Secret to Success: Systems Thinking in Action #NishaInDenmark

HLOs:

By Nisha Solanki, Digital Business Management student

A Transformative Educational Experience

I am beyond excited to share that I had the opportunity to take an educational trip to VIA University College in Aarhus, Denmark. A huge thank you to the incredible faculty members Elinor Bray-Collins, Sara Hassan, Steven Stockton, and Kimmy Do for their tremendous efforts in putting together this wonderful package full of memories and learnings. Special thanks to Martin Storkholm Nielsen, Tina Lisberg Bundgaard, and the faculty of VIA University for their warm welcome and exceptional hospitality!

As I landed in Denmark, the first impression it left on me was how the country truly lived up to its sustainability mission. From reusable cups and silverware used almost everywhere to the emphasis on eco-friendly practices, Denmark’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every detail. This is also reflected at VIA University College, a hub of innovation where brilliant ideas come to life. It was inspiring to see students working on entrepreneurial projects like bike locks and cookie businesses, a testament to the collaborative and creative environment that thrives there.

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A City of Happiness and Trust

Aarhus, with its beautiful European architecture, magnificent art, cutting-edge technology, sustainable initiatives, and stunning nature, felt like a city of the future. There's a reason why Denmark is the second happiest country in the world. Speaking with local coffee shop workers gave me a true sense of why people in this country are so happy and how they come together for the welfare of everyone. Danes are willing to pay a significant portion of their income in taxes because they trust that it will be spent on their collective welfare. It’s rare to see such a high level of trust in a government, but Denmark is a shining example of this unique relationship.

One of the most impactful lessons I took away from this trip was the importance of systems thinking. Denmark’s approach to sustainability, welfare, and innovation is a perfect example of how interconnected systems can create a thriving society. From their circular economy practices to their holistic healthcare and education systems, every aspect of Danish life reflects a deep understanding of how individual components work together to achieve a greater goal. This mindset has inspired me to apply systems thinking to my own work, particularly in digital business, where understanding the interplay between technology, people, and processes is crucial for creating sustainable and impactful solutions.

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Innovative Technology for Social Good

At DokkX, Magnus Kinly Mogensen took us to a whole new level of understanding of technological advancements and how they are applied for the benefit of society. This reflects how Denmark continues to excel with its innovative technology. The welfare technological experience space was themed like IKEA to showcase the everyday use of welfare technology.

This also profoundly shaped my ideas on digital business. Witnessing Denmark’s seamless integration of technology into everyday life—from AI-powered systems to sustainable digital solutions—was eye-opening. The entrepreneurial spirit at VIA University, where students develop innovative digital products, inspired me to think more creatively about how technology can solve real-world problems. The emphasis on collaboration and trust in Danish society further reinforced the importance of building ethical and community-focused digital businesses. This experience has given me a fresh perspective on how digital innovation can drive both economic growth and social good.

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Understanding Danish Culture Through an Immigrant’s Lens

A special thanks to the amazing guest speaker Anatolie Cantir for providing deep insights into Danish culture from an immigrant’s perspective. He highlighted the reasons behind the country’s social trust, trust in the government, work culture, and the contrasts between Denmark and other countries.

With this immigrant’s perspective, we took the trip to a whole new level by embarking on poverty walks. This experience allowed us to dig deeper into the lives of those experiencing homelessness and understand their challenges. Later, in collaboration with VIA students, we participated in a workshop challenge focused on solving the complex global issue of homelessness. We also took a nature walk, exploring themes of trust, belonging, connection, and vulnerability through the lens of animals.

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A Life-Changing Experience

A heartfelt tak (thank you) to everyone who made this trip insightful, inspiring, and unforgettable. It was surprising yet eye-opening to see how the country functions like a close-knit community. Their social trust, top-notch welfare technology, and trust in their government reflect the brilliant execution of their policies.

This trip has also shown me my own capabilities in many ways, from stepping out of my comfort zone and forming family-like bonds with my peers and faculty to trying adventurous activities like a cold plunge (a very Danish thing to do). I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, which has shown me a world beyond my own and given me so many different perspectives on life. I will forever cherish this experience!

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