Christiane Lelig gathered insights on technical and commercial innovations at Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024, connecting with bioregional forest economy initiatives across Europe
On 5 June 2024 in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Bioregions Facility with its partners organised an intensive one-day event gathering forest innovators and leaders from industry, government, research, and other key stakeholders in the forest bioeconomy. The Bioeconomy Innovation Day was preceded by an excursion and networking programme on 4 June, which included a site visit to glue and adhesives specialist Jowat and the SmartWood Centre of TH OWL in Lemgo.
The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with bioregional forest economy initiatives across Europe. It was also an opportunity to gather insight on technical and commercial innovations in areas spanning edible forest products, turning industry waste into new products, community funding for reforestation projects, international high-tech afforestation initiatives, voluntary carbon markets, and start-up accelerator programmes.
“It was truly inspirational to learn just how much is going on in the different spaces we are all active in. The event allowed me to forge a whole host of new relationships and connections for future collaborations that have the potential to elevate what we’re currently doing at Woodknowledge Wales. But most of all, our participation highlighted that Wales really should have a seat on the table as a member of the EFI Bioregions Facility to benefit from, and also input on, these exchanges. In a globally connected world, where we share tremendous challenges, we need to connect to share and advance our learning.” said Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales.
Showcasing four bioregional ecosystems
Woodknowledge Wales was invited to present as part of a panel on ‘Initiatives for supporting innovation in forest and wood-based bioeconomy’ which showcased four bioregional ecosystems:
- Zentrum Holz: Supporting innovation in forest and wood-based bioeconomy in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Forestry Hub of Catalonia: Catalonia’s forest bioeconomy innovation support
- Future Forest Initiative: Germany’s first forest start-up accelerator
- Woodknowledge Wales: Enabling innovation through collaboration across the wood value chain in Wales
The discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities in developing and supporting a resilient wood value chain in the different regions. It underscored the significance of community and cultural shifts to make the industry fit for the future. Despite significant differences in culture, history and scale of the forest economies between the bioregions, a number of recurring themes emerged that are common to all. These include resilience, connectivity, the need, potential and challenges to embrace circular economy principles within the supply chain as well as the struggle to recruit young people into the industry.
The Role of Forestry and Timber in Wales
In her presentation, Christiane highlighted the crucial role that forestry and timber can play in decarbonising the built environment and providing employment opportunities in economically deprived areas.
Historically reliant on industries such as coal mining and steel production, Wales now faces high levels of poverty and deprivation in these once-thriving industrial areas. Forestry and timber have not traditionally been a part of Wales’ cultural identity. Boasting only about 15% woodland cover, split evenly between conifers and broadleaf trees, Wales produces some of the finest softwood timber in Europe. Despite this, much of this resource is underused and often relegated to lower-value products with short to medium term lifespans.
“Wales can be as proud of its amazing forests and the timber it harvests from this precious resource as it is proud of its rolling hills and its steel, beef and dairy heritage. We need to make sure to make best use of the wood that comes out of Welsh forests and woodlands,” said Christiane.
Woodknowledge Wales and its partners are working towards the future production of high-value wood products such as wood fibre insulation, engineered wood products like glulam, and joinery items made from local timber. To this end Woodknowledge Wales collaborates with research facilities such as the Biocomposites Centre at Bangor University and the Construction Wales Innovation Centre at the University of Trinity Saint David in Swansea to support these developments.
Strategic Goals and Innovative Approaches
The overarching goal of Woodknowledge Wales is to cultivate a Thriving Forest Economy that benefits society while respecting planetary boundaries. This vision aligns with Wales’ Future Generations Act, which mandates that all actions contribute to the well-being of both current and future generations. Christiane articulated this strategy through key elements:
- Purposeful Growing: Managing forests for resilience and climate change mitigation.
- Added-Value Processing: Maximising the utility of harvested timber.
- Low-Carbon Manufacturing: Creating high-performing construction products from processed timber.
- Net-Zero Construction: Advancing towards regenerative construction practices.
To bring these elements together, a cultural shift towards an enabling wood culture is essential. This transformation requires a profound change in industry practices and societal attitudes. Woodknowledge Wales approaches this challenge by encouraging and facilitating innovation through collaboration and knowledge exchange, and strategic interventions.
Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Annual Conference
Central to Woodknowledge Wales’ approach are Communities of Practice (CoPs). These peer-to-peer learning groups foster connections and build trust among industry stakeholders. Each group sets its own objectives and guidelines, with co-leads who possess relevant industry expertise.
The CoP’s provide a platform for open discussions, idea generation, and project development. They are invaluable in driving change and advancing the collective agenda of the wood value chain.
The annual two-day WoodBUILD conference serves as a crucial event for cross-fertilisation of ideas and trust-building within the wood value chain.
Future Directions
Training, skills, and recruitment emerged as pressing themes, with a focus on understanding and attracting Generation Z to the industry. The concept of timber development centres was also discussed, envisaging spaces where processors and manufacturers can share tools and knowledge.
Unlocking the potential of forests and wood products for a thriving future within planetary boundaries touches on common themes, shared across all bioregions in Europe. Collaboration within these bioregions in key, collaboration across these regional ecosystems can take us even further.
Conclusion
Christiane’s Bioeconomy Innovation Day presentation underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a sustainable and prosperous wood value chain in Wales. Through strategic initiatives, community engagement, and a commitment to cultural transformation, Woodknowledge Wales aims to create a forest economy that benefits both society and the environment. The presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the current state and future aspirations of the wood value chain in Wales, highlighting the pivotal role of collaborative efforts in achieving these goals.
