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The Open for Business City Ratings is the only global index that brings together data on both urban economic strength and inclusiveness. It evaluates cities across 27 indicators, covering a variety of areas from innovation and human capital to governance and legal protections for LGBTQ+. 

This year’s report highlights that inclusive cities outperform others on several key metrics—scoring up to 4x higher in human capital, 2x in innovation, and 2.5x in entrepreneurship. The data makes one thing clear: openness isn’t just a value—it’s a strategic advantage. As Dominic Arnall, the CEO of “Open for Business” reflects:

“Research consistently demonstrates that more inclusive cities tend to attract top talent, foster innovation, and build more resilient economies. The correlation between LGBTQ+ inclusion and economic vitality is particularly evident, with more inclusive cities showing higher rates of innovation, stronger human capital development, and greater success in attracting international investment.” 

What makes Copenhagen so “Open for Business”? 

Copenhagen earned top marks for both its inclusive policies and economic performance. The city’s strong foundations in tech, life sciences, and digital innovation continue to attract international companies and talent. At the same time, Denmark’s long-standing leadership in LGBTQ+ rights positions the capital as a global benchmark for inclusion. As Benjamin Hansen, chairperson of Copenhagen Pride underlines:

“We can be very proud that Copenhagen has topped this list, especially given the challenging global headwinds.” 

The report also praises Copenhagen’s startup ecosystem, accessible public services, and transparent governance, all of which contribute to thriving business environment. And Dominic Arnall congratulates Copenhagen with this achievement:

“We’d like to congratulate Copenhagen on topping this year’s City Ratings, as well as applaud all cities and their policy-makers, business leaders and civil society groups who recognise both the correlation between inclusion and economic growth and the importance of creating cities where all residents and visitors are safe, supported and able to thrive.” 

What this means for Copenhagen Capacity 

At Copenhagen Capacity, we believe that inclusion and competitiveness go hand in hand. We’re proud to help create the conditions that make Copenhagen a place where businesses, people, and ideas can excel. 

By working with global companies, local partners, and public institutions, we’re committed to making Copenhagen an even more attractive destination for international talent and investment—backed by both values and data. 

Read the full report from Open for Business here.