During Clusters Meet Regions in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on July 1–2, the Forest 4.0 project was represented by cluster leaders Anna Rosenqvist (Interior Cluster Sweden) and Kristina Šermukšnytė-Alešiūnienė (AgriFood Lithuania Cluster), who both actively participated in the conference program and strategic discussions.

In the panel “Innovation in Action – Unlocking the Potential of Clusters”, they addressed questions focused on:

  • How to build trust within clusters
  • The role of digital platforms and shared infrastructure in collaboration and innovation

One of Anna Rosenqvist’s quotes captured the essence of the discussion: “If we manage to collaborate and have fun, and if we live it in an altruistic way and do really collaborate, then I think that trust becomes like the engine in the business that we do.”

Trust, systems thinking, and an altruistic mindset were highlighted as fundamental factors for building long-term value and innovation capacity – principles that also define the work within Forest 4.0.

Anna also participated in strategic meetings within the European network GO Furniture Meta-Cluster, which brings together 14 cluster organizations from 10 countries. The days also included discussions around establishing a Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnership (TSSP)for the furniture and interior sector – an important step in strengthening the meta-cluster’s role in the EU’s work with smart specialization and sustainable value chains.

Many of the issues discussed at the conference are central to Forest 4.0, where we are driving the green and digital transition across the entire value chain – from forest to finished product. Through collaboration between clusters, regions, academia, and industry, we are creating new conditions for a more resilient and sustainable Europe.

Next steps: All 14 member countries of the meta-cluster are invited to an international conference in Tranås on September 18–19, with the aim of sharing knowledge about the work and research being conducted within Forest 4.0 on data-driven business development – led by Arianit Kurti.

“We see that cross-sector and cross-national collaboration is crucial for creating long-term change. Forest 4.0 brings together actors who want to help shape the sustainable industrial ecosystems of the future,” says Anna Rosenqvist.

Follow for more news on the international conference, organized by GO Furniture Meta-Cluster and Interior Cluster Sweden, in collaboration with Forest 4.0.