Since DHI was established in 1964, we have been committed to bridging the gap between fundamental research and the commercial market, collaborating with top research institutions and communities of practice. We understand fundamental research, mature applied research and develop technologies and advisory solutions to meet client needs. In 2024, we strengthened our role in translating science into practice by developing a global Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) strategy. This strategy provides a framework for focusing our long-term RD&I efforts on areas where we can make the most meaningful contribution to global challenges. With this strategy, we intend to focus and further strengthen our scientific and technology base through research and innovation explorations and bring them to life through development of solutions and projects in collaboration with clients and partners.
The RD&I strategy is guided by the following vision: ‘As a pioneer of advanced technologies and advisory services, DHI is recognised as a world leader and preferred partner in applied research and innovation within water and water environments worldwide.’
During 2024, we increased the number of PhD students and postdocs working at DHI, and we increased the number of RD&I projects significantly. We also established an internal global Centre for RD&I that will oversee our portfolio of RD&I activities across DHI and maintain our focus on our role as a Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) by bringing science to practice.
The link between technology and business
DHI is one of seven Research and Technology Organisations in Denmark, approved by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science. The Danish RTOs play a key role in the Danish innovation system as the link between technology and business, as they seek to make new technological methods applicable to businesses and promote uptake of new technology. As an RTO, DHI is a profit-for-purpose organisation as we reinvest the majority of our profit into research. The purpose of this research is to convert it into solutions and knowledge with a direct, beneficial and useful impact on our clients’ water-related challenges.
In 2024, DHI submitted a funding proposal as part of a recurring process in which the Danish RTOs apply for funding to support research activities within strategic priorities. These priorities are selected by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science for a four-year period, this time for 2025-2028.
DHI's proposal for the upcoming period from 2025-2028 was successful, and the funding will be a significant contributor to DHI’s research activities for the next four years. The proposal covered five strategic focus areas that address key water and environmental challenges faced by Denmark and the rest of the world. Closely aligned with our RD&I strategy, the five focus areas are:
Green energy transition
Nature and biodiversity
Climate adaptation and resilience
Digital twins of the water environment
Artificial intelligence and digital water solutions
In addition, DHI was part of a joint proposal together with the other six RTOs focussing on resilience of critical infrastructure in response to threats caused by geopolitical uncertainties and other disruptions.
During 2024, DHI was able to attract more external RD&I funding (order inflow) compared with the year before, with EUR 9.3 million in 2024 compared with 9.0 million in 2023. Our total investments in RD&I (external revenue from grants and own investments in RD&I) amounted to EUR 15.4 million, continuing the same high level as the year before.
Making important contributions to research projects
In 2024, DHI took part in establishing the Danish National Defence Technology Centre (NFC: Nationalt Forsvarsteknologisk Center). NFC brings together all eight Danish universities and all seven Danish RTOs to collaborate on defence and security technology development. The aim is for NFC to fill the gap in knowledge collaboration between governmental and research institutions within the area of defence. DHI will leverage the experience we have built up over decades within research and application of remote sensing, underwater and maritime technologies. Many of our existing solutions already have potential for dual use, and through NFC, we can make an important contribution to research projects with an impact.