The Rise and Fall of the Concept of The Experience Economy in the Local Economic Development of Denmark

This article discusses the evolution of the concept of “The Experience Economy” (TEE) in the Danish local economic policy. The term is rarely known worldwide; however, it has become quite popular among the Danes and other Scandinavians. Its origin comes from the American business-marketing field in the late 1990s, while in Denmark, it evolved as a multifaceted idea with notable effects for economic development at the local level. The concept is related to the cultural or creative economy, but in the Danish case, it became more diffuse. This article does not intend to be a critique of these two lines, nor to tourist attractions, which are also linked to TEE. However, it criticizes the implementation of an unorthodox idea to LED, even though it may have useful principles to other disciplines. This article reflects the line of recent research which has questioned its applications in LED. Local governments have supported this strategy because of the national government's key role. Also, academics and consultants contributed to the process. The article also investigates the reasons Denmark had for developing the concept of TEE in Danish local planning and development.