The future of the ‘forest – wood – paper’ sector is determined by research
The annual meeting of the Austrian Forest Technology Platform on 19 November 2024 at the Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW) in Vienna initiated an intensive discussion of the future of the sector in the presence of Johan Elvnert from Brussels (Secretary General, FTP).
The Forest Technology Platform is a network of companies, associations and scientific institutions dedicated to research and innovation in the sector. It represents Austria’s interests at EU level and contributes to securing the location of the Austrian forestry and timber industry, the wood-based materials, paper and pulp industry and biorefineries.
‘The technology platform is a major contribution to making Austria’s and Europe’s innovation potential competitive through research and development in the context of constantly changing political and social conditions,’ according to the the two chairmen Leo Arpa (Mondi) and Peter Mayer (BFW).
Monika Kanzian (Austrian Federal Forests), Monika Zechner (Styrian Chamber of Commerce) and Elisabeth Krassnigg (Austropapier) identified the following key issues for the future: reducing bureaucracy, competitive energy supply, easier access to projects and the usability of digitalisation.
In summarising the discussion, Leo Arpa reaffirmed the importance of the sector as a driver of innovation in Europe and stated that the forestry, wood and paper sector must defend its leading role worldwide. A new research and innovation strategy will be developed by 2027, which will outline the sector’s research needs and make a case to the EU Commission.
Contact
DI Robert Wurm, robert.wurm@bfw.gv.at