The business sector and the sustainable development goals - Denmark and neighbouring countries 2021
In this publication the development of the Business sector in relation to selected SDG-goals in Denmark and 7 neighbouring countries are shown. Existing statistics in Eurostat, The European Union Statistical office, are used in the analyses. The developments on economic, environmental and social issues are followed for 14 groups of industries across country.
Positive developments in all 8 countries in relation to the SDGs – only minor change, however, as regards gender equality in occupation and earnings
The results, mainly from 2010 to 2019, shows a positive trend in the Business sector in the contribution to fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, this is the case in relation to emission of climate gasses, where all countries show improvement in the relation between emission and value added. This has, however, also been caused by domestic or European policies on the matter.
Connected to the comparisons of the development in the indicators across country, also the differences in business structure are presented together with the actual size of indicators in 2010. The baseline and the room for change is necessary knowledge when assessing the development since.
Expenditures for R&D, relevant information in relation to change to improved sustainability in the Business sector has in general increased since 2010, as well in actual prices as related to the value added in the sector. Poland shows the highest increase, however from a low level, why a decrease in the indicator is the case for Denmark and Finland.
A significant decrease in emission of climate gasses from business activities can been seen, as well in actual figures at related to value added. United Kingdom shows larges decrease independent of indicator, while Poland and Netherlands shows only low decrease. The overall figures from Norway is deviating from the general trend, maybe caused by insecurity in emission figures.
The gender composition of the employees by type of industry show largely similar pictures in the countries, but also a slight tendency towards more equal composition. Germany and Poland has the highest share of women in the sector, while Norway and Sweden has the lowest share.
Regarding gender pay gap, only a rough comparison for the business sector is possible. The figures, however, indicates that Germany and United Kingdom have the largest gender pay gap, while Poland, Sweden and Norway are more close to a situation where women get equal pay for equal work.
Exact references to the Eurostat database tables can be found in the publication. This makes it possible for everyone to make further calculations, for others countries or types of industry and also for the coming years. For 2020 and 2021, however, impact from COVID-19 has to be taken into account in the analyses.
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