Small state acting smart

The European Union faces new challenges, as the labour market we know today, is being disrupted in terms of technological development. The future job market brings new challenges, which must be addressed by the EU. This thesis seeks to explore how a small state can gain influence by acting as a smart state, in context of a future labour market. The study will be based on a case study, which investigates how Denmark’s role as a small state performs regarding new initiatives in the future labour market. More precisely, this thesis will examine whether and how Denmark uses norm entrepreneur strategy, within the smart state strategy, to influence their opportunity for influence. Empirical data on the Danish approach, was collected through interviews with civil servants containing comprehensive knowledge of the Danish strategy, as well as documents stating the Danish position and discussions concerning the future labour market within EPSCO Council meetings. The collected data shows that Denmark indeed practices the norm entrepreneur strategy within the smart state strategy, to exert influence through the Commission and the EPSCO Council. The critical resource that Denmark possesses, and depend on, is their role as a frontrunner at the labour market. The Danish government uses its frontrunner position to channel Danish norms through the concept of norm advocacy.