Est. 1min 17-02-2005 (updated: 05-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Unveiled on 15 February, the strategy aims to boost the competitiveness and sustainability capacities of forest-based industries by pooling R&D efforts and investment at European level. The strategy includes the launch of a new technology platform designed to realise the vision of a “competitive, knowledge-based industry that fosters the extended use of renewable forest resources”. A high level group of key stakeholders has been set up to examine the challenges facing the sector and prepare a strategic research agenda. Read more with Euractiv EU prepares for crucial Bush visitThe European visit of US President George W. Bush on 21 and 22 February could be a turning point in the troubled transatlantic relationship. EURACTIV plans special coverage in the run-up to the visit. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters PositionsThe negative image of the forest-based sector was at the centre of a panel discussion moderated by EURACTIV's editor-in-chief Willy De Backer. "Our industry has problems attracting the best talent," said Claes-Göran Beckeman, a project leader for the forest-based sector technology platform. Education and information is important to make up for this image deficit, he pointed out. "Our industry has a tremendously good case when it comes to climate change," said Björn Hägglund, chairman of the high-level group which steers the platform. However, he added, "I don't think we made our case clear enough". Kurt Vandenberghe, deputy head of office at Commissioner Janez Potocnik's cabinet said he expected a lot from technological platforms because they can propose to the Commission new topics for research. Chairman of the European Federation of the Plywood industry Lars Gädda said his expectations from the technology platform were quite simply to get results in both the short and the long term. "2,000 good ideas are needed for one good innovation," Gädda said. "You need to generate information and communication, then you get good results," he insisted. BackgroundThe Vision 2030 strategy document was presented on 15 February by the Forest-based industry forum at the Bibliothèque Solvay in Brussels. The forest-based industry forum estimates its sector to account for 9% of European manufacturing GDP. By comparison, the Commission puts the figure at 8%. Further ReadingEU official documents Cordis:Technology platforms DG Enterprise:Forest-based industries DG Enterprise:Evaluation of the 'Communication on the state of competitiveness of the EU forest-based and related industries' EU Actors positions Forest-based sector technology platform:Vision 2030 European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois):Roadmap 2010 presentation Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI):Issue management: moving forward(Dec. 2004) Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF):Website Paperonline:Environmental issues Paperonline:The paper cycle
