Advanced Forestry: A Recipe for the Future of Lithuanian Forests?
“For the first time in our region, the expertise of researchers from two distinct fields—forestry and digital technologies—has been combined. Approximately a year ago, the six-year project ‘Forest 4.0’ was launched. This initiative is jointly funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program and the State of Lithuania. The numbers in the project title reflect the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution and the cutting-edge technologies associated with it, which are inevitably making their way into our lives—and our forests,” writes Dr. Nerijus Kupstaitis of Vytautas Magnus University, part of the Forest 4.0 project team.
In a recently published article in Mūsų Girios magazine, Dr. Kupstaitis highlighted how the Forest 4.0 project unites forestry and digital technology experts from leading universities in Lithuania and Sweden. This ambitious initiative aims to tackle contemporary challenges facing forests, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and evolving societal expectations.
Challenges facing Lithuanian forests
Dr. N. Kupstaitis points out several pressing concerns for Lithuanian forests, particularly the impacts of climate change, such as the large-scale destruction of spruce forests by bark beetles, and the urgent need to diversify current forestry practices. According to him, forests play a crucial role in carbon absorption, offsetting one-third of Lithuania's greenhouse gas emissions. However, projections indicate this capacity may decline without innovative solutions. Additionally, preserving biodiversity and meeting growing societal demands for cultural and recreational forest use require adaptive management practices.
Forest 4.0 objectives
The author highlights that the project focuses on establishing a Competence Center for Advanced Forestry, designed to revolutionize forest monitoring, data collection, and analysis. By integrating AI, IoT, and other digital technologies, the center aims to support policy development and practical forestry decision-making. Current efforts include enhancing Lithuania's national forest inventory system and developing advanced tools, such as remote sensing technologies (e.g., LiDAR and hyperspectral scanning) and decision-support systems for sustainable forest management.
The path forward
Looking to the future, Dr. N. Kupstaitis emphasizes that Forest 4.0 underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to digitize forestry and create resilient, multifunctional forests. The initiative envisions forests that are not only economically viable but also environmentally and socially sustainable, paving the way for a more adaptive and diverse forestry model in Lithuania.
The Advanced Forestry Centre of Excellence (Forest 4.0) Research Infrastructure is now part of the Lithuanian Roadmap for research infrastructures
We are proud to announce that the Advanced Forestry Centre of Excellence (Forest 4.0) has been officially included in the Lithuanian Roadmap for research infrastructures. This important change was initiated by Vytautas Magnus University and the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry.
What does this change mean?
This milestone marks a significant step towards advancing sustainable forestry and environmental technologies. The Lithuanian Research Infrastructure Commission has recognized the potential of the Forest 4.0 project and the capability of the Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry consortium to create and develop an open forestry and climate changes research and data infrastructure, to join relevant European and International initiatives.
As a part of Lithuanian Research Infrastructures, Forest 4.0 is now a priority infrastructure for forest research in Lithuania. This opens doors to improved research opportunities, as the consortium can now participate in competitions to receive funding for research, equipment, and join international consortia and infrastructures, enabling the exchange of crucial forest data and research-related knowledge.
Prof. Tomas Krilavičius, project leader and dean of the Faculty of Informatics at Vytautas Magnus University, says: “Now, everything can be developed. We are increasingly involving more Lithuanian organizations and companies operating in the forestry sector in Forest 4.0 activities. We collaborate and share new solutions. Moreover, being recognized makes it easier for us to cooperate with foreign partners and join their infrastructures. We can access data from around the world and participate in the development of standards and solutions.”
Another important milestone achieved is that Forest 4.0 was officially established as a public institution in September, and the Governing Board has approved the list of Advisory Board members. The Advanced Forestry Centre of Excellence is already collaborating with and consulting the Lithuanian State Forest Service, addressing digitalization challenges.
Forest 4.0: Future perspectives
Next year, Forest 4.0 will focus more on knowledge-sharing. Prof. Tomas Krilavičius mentions that the consortium is planning a forestry summer school, emphasizing the application of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in forestry. Additionally, a public event will be organized, inviting key stakeholders - forestry companies, state organizations, and institutions – to discuss the digitalization of forestry, its process, and the specific needs of each participant.
Innovative Forest Planning with AI-driven Enhancements Based on GAYA Decision Support System
This project leverages the robust capabilities of the GAYA forest simulator, originally developed in Sweden, to create a powerful, AI-enhanced forest planning tool tailored for Lithuanian forests, however, open for adaptation under any other geographic conditions. The integration of Lithuanian forest data and new functionalities will support enhanced decision-making in forest management for both public and private sectors, as well as for the scientific community.
Background on GAYA Simulator. GAYA is a versatile and sophisticated forest simulator initially developed by Professor Ljusk Ola Eriksson at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Designed to support forest management by modeling forest dynamics in response to various silvicultural treatments, GAYA provides a detailed, area-based approach to forecasting forest growth, yield, and other critical factors. The simulator operates at both the stand level (individual forest segments) and the sample plot level, making it ideal for both large-scale and localized analyses. GAYA is capable of simulating how forests evolve over time based on specific management practices. These simulations take into account factors like growth rates, tree mortality, treatment costs, and timber prices, which are essential for making well-informed forest management and optimization decisions.
Project Vision: Expanding GAYA with AI and Lithuanian Data. This project builds on GAYA’s existing capabilities by adapting it to Lithuanian forest conditions and a wide range of input formats, and incorporating AI-driven functionalities that will allow users to conduct even more refined planning and analysis. The integration of AI algorithms will enhance GAYA's predictive and optimization features, making it a more powerful tool for forest management to deliver better balanced baskets of multiple ecosystem services. The decision support system is expected to become a central feature of forest sector modeling infrastructure, which will be validated in Lithuania, however, suitable for any international adaptation.
- Localization of GAYA with Lithuanian Forest Data. By adapting GAYA’s models to integrate Lithuanian forest data and various input formats, including growth patterns, ecological variations, and other specific factors, the simulator will empower facilitation of precision forestry and produce more accurate predictions tailored to Lithuania’s unique forestry environment.
- AI-powered Enhancements for Advanced Planning. AI functionalities will be added to GAYA to support more dynamic and adaptive forest planning. Machine learning algorithms will analyze historical and real-time data to provide predictive insights and offer customized treatment recommendations.
- Development of a User Interface. A modern, intuitive user interface will be developed for the new tool, making it accessible and easy to use for forestry professionals, government officials, and scientists. The UI will provide customizable dashboards, scenario planning options, and visualizations of projected forest changes over time.
- Addressing the diversity of forest ecosystem services. Gaya will be modernized to incorporate models and methods focused on climate change, biodiversity, and a range of ecosystem services. Key development goals include integrating tools to quantify changes in carbon stocks and to evaluate different aspects of biodiversity across various forest management regimes.
- Private Sector: Forestry companies can use the tool to model specific management strategies local, regional and national levels, optimize timber production and delivery of other ecosystem services, contribute to climate change mitigation, optimize timber production, and reduce costs based on AI recommendations.
- Public Sector: Government agencies will be able to analyze trends and patterns at a national level, facilitating more effective policy-making and resource allocation.
- Scientific Research: Researchers will gain access to a sophisticated, AI-driven model for conducting in-depth studies on forest dynamics, climate adaptation, and the effects of specific silvicultural practices.
Forest 4.0 Conference: Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Forestry
On October 24-25, the Forest 4.0 Conference brought together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers from Sweden and Lithuania. The event became an invaluable platform to discuss interdisciplinary research in forestry, computer and information sciences, and engineering. Together, we explored how research and innovation can boost business competitiveness in forestry by using data to generate insights, create value, and drive new business models in a circular economy.
Day One: Visionary Opening
The conference began with inspiring opening remarks from notable figures such as Peter Aronsson, Vice-Chancellor Linnaeus University, Maria Arnholm, Governor of Kronoberg county, Thomas Wilsson, Chairperson of the Interior Cluster Sweden, Linas Linkevičius, Lithuanian Ambassador in Sweden, Lena Wibroe, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Assembly. Setting a forward-thinking tone, they emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in advancing forestry practices with innovations and cutting-edge technologies.
Key Insights from Prominent Academics and Industry Leaders
During the conference, Tomas Krilavičius, a professor at Vytautas Magnus University, highlighted the project’s evolution from a concept to an impactful collaboration uniting industry, academia, and a digital innovation hub, AgriFood Lithuania, that disseminates information and brings everyone together. Forest 4.0 harnesses specialised AI tools to monitor and make data-driven decisions for forest management, aiming to benefit future generations. In the future, the project aims to construct a forest tower for enhanced collaboration. While still in its early stages, it shows great promise and has already yielded encouraging results.
Professor Johan Fransson from Linnaeus University discussed advanced methods for collecting forest data and monitoring forest health using drones equipped with LiDAR technology. These drones capture 3D images of trees, revealing photosynthetically active areas, while ground sensors and a weather tower track environmental conditions. This detailed approach provides a comprehensive view of the forest, down to the quality of individual trees.
Professor Arianit Kurti from Linnaeus University emphasized the rising role of data in modern forestry. Forest 4.0, he explained, gathers valuable information that businesses can leverage to drive innovation, and this interconnected relationship between forestry data and business presents significant opportunities for growth in the sector.
Erik Eklund, Digital Market Manager at Södra, shared insights into Södra's unique role in the forestry sector. Despite not owning any forests, Södra collaborates closely with local forest owners, purchasing wood to supply various markets based on demand. Eklund, a direct inheritor of this business model, explained that Södra was founded to address an initial wood surplus, creating a sustainable community-based approach where forest owners benefit from fair, market-based rewards.
Augustas Alešiūnas, AgTech Business Angel and owner of ART21, highlighted the potential of digital innovation to benefit forestry. He recounted ART21’s evolution from a startup with limited funding to a leader in forest technology. The company’s innovations now monitor forest health, prevent wildfires, and track wildlife across continents, creating a lasting impact through precision forestry and ensuring that Forest 4.0 is a premier platform for validating and commercializing forest tech.
Carsten Sørensen, professor at Copenhagen Business School and Linnaeus University, examined how innovation is transforming the forestry sector. He highlighted that emerging technologies are reshaping traditional business models, promoting efficiency and sustainable resource management. Sørensen emphasized the need for businesses to adapt to these advancements, as they not only enhance productivity but also create new market opportunities that support a sustainable future in forestry.
In the final keynote speech, Professor Thomas K. Bader from Linnaeus University discussed the unpredictable future of technology and its impact on innovation in forestry. He stressed the need for continuous innovation as digitization transforms value processes and identified key technologies like 5G, IoT, AI, and blockchain that are reshaping industries. Bader highlighted the shift from consumer-facing (B2C) to business-to-business (B2B) solutions and emphasized the emergence of value ecosystems that prioritize collaboration. He also underscored the importance of experimentation to fully leverage the potential of these technologies.
On the industry panel moderated by Anna Rosenqvist, CEO of Interior Cluster Sweden, key stakeholders – Joachim Lindqvist, Development and Innovation Manager at IKEA of Sweden; Stefan Braunias, Lean Manager at Södra; Donatas Dailidė, Chairman and CEO at DOJUS Group; and Ingrida Grikpėdienė, CEO at JSC VMG Wood Invest – discussed the importance of research and innovation for business competitiveness.
This knowledge-rich day concluded with a joint visit to the Lnu wood labs, where speakers and participants reflected on the insights shared and the collaborative paths forward.
Second Day: Project Meeting and Collaborative Planning
The second day of the Forest 4.0 Conference focused on collaborative planning and project development. Moderated by Professor Tomas Krilavičius from Vytautas Magnus University, the day began with an introduction to the Forest 4.0 Center of Excellence. Participants discussed the conference outcomes and formulated an action plan moving forward on work packages (WP) concerning governance, scientific excellence, and education, with a particular emphasis on establishing research groups and developing a knowledge management system.
In the afternoon sessions, they concentrated more on business model implementation and innovation support services, where strategies were brainstormed to enhance marketing, business development, and technology transfer initiatives. The day wrapped up with discussions on dissemination plans and future cooperation, reinforcing the collaborative spirit essential for advancing the Forest 4.0 project.
Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook
The Forest 4.0 Conference marked a pivotal moment for the forestry sector, illustrating the immense potential of technology to enhance sustainability and economic value. As the sector continues to evolve, the partnerships and insights formed during this event will undoubtedly impact future strategies and innovations in forestry monitoring worldwide.
FOREST 4.0 Conference: transforming forestry businesses through innovation
On October 24, 2024, Linnaeus University and Interior Cluster Sweden will host the FOREST 4.0 conference in Växjö, Sweden, inviting the project’s coordinator, partners, and distinguished guests. In collaboration with Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, AgriFood Lithuania, and ART21, this conference will highlight interdisciplinary research in forestry, computer and information sciences, and building engineering.
The FOREST 4.0 conference supports the project’s long-term goal of transforming forest monitoring through digital technologies such as AI and IoT. Therefore, the event will present the university’s innovative scientific research at the intersection of computer science and information technology, as well as forestry and wood technology, with a strong emphasis on innovations across the value chain. This is particularly significant given the deep-rooted traditions that Sweden and Lithuania possess in these industries, which serve as foundational pillars of our regional economies.
During the event, industry representatives from Lithuania and Sweden will participate in a distinguished panel to discuss the significance of research and innovation for business competitiveness in the forestry sector. This will provide a unique opportunity to view the subject from a cross-sector perspective while exploring how forestry data can yield new insights, create value propositions for customers, and foster new business models within a circular economy.
This conference is organized as part of the EU Horizon Project: FOREST 4.0 | lnu.se. Its objective is to create a Centre of Excellence that will revolutionize the monitoring, data acquisition, and analysis of forest environments while also deriving value from the collected data.
Register for the event: https://axacoair.se/go?mtgNWQlK
Year one in review: the journey of project FOREST 4.0
As we wrap up the first year of project FOREST 4.0, we’re excited to share a video highlighting our key moments and achievements. From innovative technology implementations to community-driven conservation efforts, it captures the essence of our mission to revolutionize the forestry sector sustainably. Join us in celebrating the dedication and progress of our team members and partners: Linnaeus University, Interior Cluster Sweden, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, AgriFood Lithuania, and ART21. We look forward to continued advancements in the journey towards a more sustainable future for our forests!
AgriFood Forum 2023 reflection: panel discussion on “Forests at the forefront: data-driven climate resilience”
Last week, we returned from the AgriFood Forum 2023 in Vilnius—the largest event of its kind in the Baltics, bringing together political, business, and academic leaders from around the world. These leaders share a common goal: addressing the complex challenges facing the planet in the long term. Reflecting on the forum’s theme, “Peace for Food: Sustainability, Security for Society, and Planet”, a profound series of discussions unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on our commitment to sustainable practices and technological progress. We had the opportunity to present one of them.
The powerful event commenced with a video capturing the forum’s organizers and their partners engaging in a tree-planting initiative. We concluded the day’s discussions symbolically with the theme “Forests at the Forefront: Data-Driven Climate Resilience”.
Sven Kallen, founder and secretary at Life Terra Foundation and CEO of Volterra Ecosystems, set the stage with insightful remarks elucidating the substantial impact of tree-planting actions. His emphasis on the indispensable role of innovative data management in forest monitoring, protection, and growth resonated cohesively with the main hall’s audience.
Apart from S. Kallen, the discussion moderated by Živilė Kropaitė-Basiulė was attended by esteemed panelists: Prof. Dr. Tomas Krilavičius, FOREST 4.0 coordinator and dean of the faculty of Informatics at Vytautas Magnus University, Dr. Algis Gaižutis, chairman of the board of the Lithuanian Forest and Landowners Association, and Ben Rivoire, head of Sustainability and Crop Value Chain at the International Seed Federation. These experts in their field conveyed invaluable insights and unwavering passion, propelling forum participants toward a more sustainable future.
In the aftermath of this enlightening discussion, the commitment of the project’s team to fostering positive change remains resolute. We are ready to strengthen efforts to comprehend, safeguard, and innovate for the benefit of a greener and progressive tomorrow! Your collaboration in any form in this journey is both welcomed and valued—why not consider planting a tree in your backyard?
FOREST 4.0 partners pursue their vision of the future forest by enhancing collaboration in Sweden
At the end of September, Forest 4.0 partners from Lithuania and Sweden came together to refine their plan to create a significant organization: a Centre of Excellence to help digitize forestry. The working session in Sweden emphasized the EU-wide importance of a technologically advanced and sustainable forest ecosystem. According to the experts, the good practices of a leading country in the field only confirm that cross-sectoral dialogue is the key to a new era of forestry innovation.
The meeting of representatives of Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, Linnaeus University (Sweden), Interior Cluster Sweden, AgriFood Lithuania DIH, and ART21 was held in the framework of the Möbelriksdagen, the country's largest annual event for the furniture and interior design industry. It allowed for an even closer partnership between academia and industry, forming the basis for the future Center of Excellence.
Björn Nordin, Director of Architecture and Design at Swedish Wood, a member of the Swedish cluster, presented trends in the furniture and interior design industry in the leading country in the forest sector. Among the highlights was Interior Cluster Sweden, which focused on the potential of the latest technologies to drive change in the global wood industry ecosystem.
“The pandemic and the war caused by Russia will continue to increase the challenges related to the lack of raw materials, including wood products. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to get the most out of every cubic meter of timber: in the forest, in the sawmill, and in other value chains.
Forest 4.0 demonstrates that opportunities exist, but it requires synergy across sectors and all value chains. We are ready for this because the forestry industry is not only facing the problems of exporting wood but also those of climate change and other issues. Together, we need to tackle them with all possible means, with digitization of the sector at the forefront”, B. Nordin said.
The researchers’ focus on high-tech solutions was echoed by Professor Arianit Kurti of Linnaeus University: “Artificial intelligence will definitely be one of the core competencies of the project. Its application to forestry and the whole Forest 4.0 value chain is one of the areas where we think the most innovation will be generated, and a number of start-ups are likely to emerge.”
The project, implemented by academics, clusters, and business stakeholders, was initiated with the aim of growing a center that will add economic value to the forestry sector and interested parties in the long term.
Prof. Dr. Tomas Krilavičius, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics of Vytautas Magnus University, who leads the project, shared the team’s plans to return from the meeting having learned the best practices from Sweden. After an intensive agenda, a different vision emerged: in Forest 4.0, we will work together with the Swedes to develop new forestry models for the whole of Europe.
“However, data collection and analysis, as well as the ambition to use this information in a meaningful way to deliver pragmatic innovations that support a sustainable ecosystem, are only a stop in a complex process. We first need to identify what specific answers we expect to improve forestry processes,” commented Prof. Dr. T. Krilavičius on the upcoming tasks and deliverables.
In addition to discussions on the future of the Centre of Excellence and the allocation of further responsibilities, the participants also benefited from study visits. This included a tour of the upcoming “Wisdome Stockholm” centre. The project is characterized by its innovative use of wood raw materials for a complex building structure, in line with its commitment to industrial sustainability.
The meeting with Treesearch served as another good example of how to push the boundaries of future forestry potential through the engagement of all stakeholders, from academia to private foundations and public authorities. The Treesearch platform at the Royal Technical University in Stockholm paves the ground for the development of new materials from forests and contributes to Sweden's ambition to become a leader in the bioeconomy.