Area of Biz Excellence... March 2008
ACOUSTICS - A world of sound & silence Looking for world-class R&D competencies within acoustics? Looking for ground-breaking R&D in sound transduction and perception? Looking for an acoustics cluster that is among the best and strongest in the world? Have a look at Denmark! Denmark is a strong brand as a global first-mover within acoustics. Danish design and manufacturing expertise in audio dates back to the 1920s, and some historians even trace the origins of the modern electrodynamic loudspeaker to Danish engineering innovations. Denmark’s formal research traditions in acoustics can be traced back to the 1930s, with focused courses within acoustics being taught since the early 1940s. For almost a century, Denmark has built a strong position within acoustics and electro-acoustics around well-known companies such as Brüel & Kjær, Bang & Olufsen, Kirk Telecom, Oticon, Widex, GN Resound, Tymphany, Klipsch, Dantax, T.C. Electronic, DELTA, and many, many more. Several of the products of these companies are related to sophisticated concepts in acoustic communication and reducing the noise load on people. A long and proud tradition within design, plus an exceptional ability to translate human sensation into technical specifications, contributes to Denmark’s strong position within acoustics. Indeed, equipment produced in Denmark is characterised by superb craftsmanship and excellent sound quality.
Danish capabilities • A strong brand as a global first-mover within acoustics • Internationally recognised acoustics research • World-class universities, with diverse specialties in the field of acoustics • World-class acoustical engineers • A long and proud design tradition • The ability to translate human sensation into technical specifications • Internationally recognised quality products • A critical mass of world-leading industry players • A strong and unique interplay between universities and industry • A highly developed and supportive cluster • “Made in Denmark” and “Danish Design” are powerful concepts in the field of acoustics
ACOUSTICS - A world of sound & silence
First-class Research and Education within Acoustics One of the main reasons for Denmark’s stronghold within acoustics is the presence of world-class universities and technical colleges working at the forefront of technological development with diverse specialties. Technological fields include audio acoustics, architectural acoustics and noise control, digital signal processing, hearing aids, and measuring techniques. Not only is technology at the forefront, but the Danish educational system aims at teaching students to work together, resulting in efficient team work and innovative research and products. R&D Collaboration A contributing factor to Denmark’s stronghold is a strong and unique interplay between the Danish universities and industry, both domestically and abroad. University students often work with the industry on their master thesis or PhD’s. In addition, it is not uncommon to see competitors joining forces to support or establish various university research centres within acoustics. Furthermore, a number of spin-off companies have spurred from the Danish universities. Danish Applications with a global impact Within acoustics and electro-acoustics, Denmark has a number of companies with a prominent or market leading position on the global marketplace. Knowledge about and competencies within acoustics and electroacoustics are utilised in over 45 different industries in Denmark. The main industries are hearing aids and headsets; loudspeakers, radio and HIFI; music instruments and effects; electro-acoustics measurement equipment; and specialised sub suppliers of products for the hearing aid and mobile phone industry. Danish acoustics with a global impact • The Danish hearing aid industry holds 40% of the global market with Oticon and Widex as global frontrunners • GN is world market leader within headsets operating in over 20 countries and selling products in more than 70 countries • Technitrol Inc. (former Sonion A/S) delivers more than 200 million audio components to global producers of mobile phones and hearing aids • Dynaudio A/S delivers more than 70,000 units to the automobile industry • AM3D and Terma are under contract with The Joint Strike Fighter Project, solving various assignments involving sound technology • B&O ICEpower has developed a groundbreaking audio power conversion transferring heat away from the speaker unit with an efficiency above 90 percent • B&O delivers high-end sound systems for some of the most prestigious car-makers in the world. Every fifth Audi A8 that leaves the assembly line, has a B&O sound system installed.
Whether your company considers to relocate, consolidate, set up new production facilities, is on the lookout for new innovation partners or other strategic business solutions in Europe, Invest in Denmark is a good place to begin. We provide customised information and services free of charge and in full confidentiality.
Invest in Denmark 2, Asiatisk Plads DK-1448 Copenhagen K Tel. +45 33 92 11 16 Fax +45 33 92 07 17