MISTRA DIGITAL FOREST ANNUAL REPORT 2020 1
MISTRADIGITALFOREST ANNA JÖBORN CEO of Mistra Why
has Mistra chosen to finance Mistra Digital Forest? – Mistra's mission is to fund research of strategic importance for a good living environment in Sweden. As the forest covers about 70 percent of our land area, with its unique flora and fauna, it is one of our most important habitats, without a doubt. The forest has contributed to our prosperity, and forestry continues to be one of Sweden's most important industries. Forestry also plays a very important role in the transition to a fossil-free society. For Swedish forestry to be efficient and sustainable in the long-term, access to the best possible knowledge available is essential. That is why Mistra invests in research to promote the digitalisation of forestry, and to develop methods for sustainable forestry. g å What significance do you think the forest will have in the future? ANNA JÖBORN – I am convinced that the forest will be an important resource in the future green bioeconomy. Forestry, and its entire value chain, will contribute to job creation in Sweden. Forest raw material will be an increasingly important resource in a future circular and fossil-free society. Modern, efficient forestry will need to be combined with increased protection of particularly valuable forest environments. The forest, with its ability to act as a carbon sink, and with its biological diversity, will be of great importance for us in achieving our jointly agreed climate and environmental objectives. TORGNY PERSSON Director of research and innovation at the Swedish Forest Industries Federation Why is the Swedish Forest Industries Federation the programme host for Mistra Digital Forest? – The Swedish Forest Industries Federation was involved in initiating Mistra's call for proposals, and when that was published, there was huge interest from our member companies. We were asked to coordinate the application work, and when active researchers in the field also supported the initiative, it was a natural move for us to become the host organisation. It’s a decision that has been very positive for us at the Swedish Forest Industries Federation. What significance do you think the forest will have in the future? – I am convinced that the forest will remain an important element in solving the climate challenge, by contributing to society's transition to a circular bio-based economy. To make this possible, initiatives such as Mistra Digital Forest are incredibly important – because research, knowledge and innovation all drive growth. TORGNY PERSSON Göran Andersson has been active for many years, and has seen the industry become digitalised. One aspect he currently finds challenging, is maintaining the competence of everyone involved at a sufficiently high level. – It is sometimes difficult to keep up with updates. New digital and technical equipment is constantly coming on line. It is important to get the whole chain involved, from white-collar workers to those who actually sit in the forestry machines, and do the work. This is also a feature that is identified in the programme, which is great, he says. There are several companies collaborating in Mistra Digital Forest, something that is probably contributing to its success. The forest sector has shown that when everyone comes together, we become both stronger and more competitive. GÖRAN ANDERSSON – The forest sector has shown that when everyone comes together, we become both stronger and more competitive. This is a way for Sweden to be at the forefront when it comes to technical and digital development, and perhaps even to take first place, says Göran Andersson. Elisabeth Nilsson is one of the programme board members of Mistra Digital Forest. She sees the forest as particularly interesting and important as Sweden stands out with its high number of knowledgeable private forest owners. – We live in a changing world where the Nordic countries have tremendous opportunities, so now we must be smart and take full advantage of them, says Elisabeth Nilsson. B Dialogue is the most important aspect when designing programmes like this, she believes – not only with the larger companies, but also with individual forest owners. – What works for them? It is important that we find solutions that are practically feasible for the individual forest owner too, and for smaller businesses, who don’t have a staff of technicians and engineers to help them, says Elisabeth Nilsson. A With Elisabeth Nilsson's long experience, she knows that there are many questions that need answers, and that is precisely why research is important. Viveka Beckeman at the Swedish Forest Industries Federation agrees. – This is a fantastic programme. The sector is involved, financing is secured. Now the important thing is to continue to attract talented researchers to these forest areas. The more research that is done in these areas, the better it will be, Viveka Beckeman concludes. 5 P h h P o t o N : O P S e r W I e s t H E e d T L r r E S I o t o : P e t t e r B l o m b e r g N S L