In light of its 10 Vision Targets for 2040 and the Strategic research and innovation agenda 2030 of the forest-based sector (SIRA 2030), FTP is actively working on prioritising the research and innovation (R&I) topics of the sector.
This prioritisation process aims to
- create opportunities for high-impact R&I projects;
- collect innovative ideas and research questions; and
- understand developing trends of the sector.
In particular, the process aims to measure the progress towards the vision targets and identify research and innovation bottlenecks.
After the first round of stakeholder consultation, FTP received input from different sources such as its National Support Groups (NSGs), supporting companies and some related working groups of which FTP is an active member.
FTP has kicked off the second round of stakeholder consultation for its R&I topic prioritisation, which will be closed at the end of October 2020.
To optimize the funding opportunities for R&I projects, it is essential to understand what the public funding providers need. The publication of the EU Green Deal by the European Commission, which set policy roadmaps and action plans for making Europe climate neutral by 2050, has stirred up many debates on the roles of forests and the forest-based sector in achieving the EU’s ambitious climate objectives. The “political” impact factor, therefore, has become more important than ever and must be taken into account when defining R&I priorities, with a clear connection to relevant policy objectives. In this regard, FTP has established its Policy Task Force which aims to identify the emerging and relevant political impact factors for the forest-based sector. Members of the Task Force include experts from different forest-based stakeholders with a diverse range of expertise in different areas of the value chain.
The outcome from FTP’s R&I topic prioritisation would be a valuable reference source for the EU decision-makers in developing the future R&I work programmes and call topics.
Stay tuned for more information!
