In an exemplary initiative, the Austrian forest-based sector has identified top research and innovation areas (RIAs) to concentrate its advocacy efforts upon.

During 2016, the Austrian forest-based sector will focus its efforts to “Improve the reusability and recyclability of wood composites and construction materials” (RIA 2.5E), as well as in “Try out new business models to activate small forest owners to improve their long-term social and economic sustainability” (RIA 2.1D).

These two research and innovation activities (RIAs) were ranked as highest priority at the national level by respondents to the Survey on the Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda (SRA) organised by FTP’s National Support Group Austria (NSG Austria).

The survey asked Austrian stakeholders to appoint the relevance of the research and innovation activities described in FTP’s SRA. After a concise analysis of the results, NSG Austria was able to map the main activities that it will focus its efforts on. For FTP’s Managing Director Johan Elvnert, a strong National Research Agenda complements and strengthens also the European cooperation.

According to NSG Austria’s Chairs, Leo Arpa and Peter Meyer, NSG Austria will lift these priorities at the meetings in Brussels as well as towards Austrian research funding providers and policy makers. With this survey, the goal was to mobilise national stakeholders to agree upon the most urgent Austrian research and innovation priorities.

Please contact NSG Austria for more information about the survey.