As part of the 59^th Home Fair, the 8^th Development Day of Slovenia’s wood and forestry sector took place in Ljubljana on 5 March 2020. Dr Črtomir Tavzes, InnoRenew CoE researcher, attended the event’s presentation of several projects, visions and plans and participated in a discussion and consultation that included representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and numerous experts from the wood science field.

Danilo Anton Ranc, Director-General of the Wood Industry Directorate, opened the event and emphasized that today’s trend of wood industry growth is a result of collaboration and work by many stakeholders in the field. All participants agreed that the Slovenian wood industry is of strategic importance for the country, and, right now, it is growing and wood is offering several opportunities to decrease emissions and positively affect climate change.

Dr Tavzes presented the vision of the European organization FTP – Forest-based Sector Technology Platform – through 2040, which focuses on transition towards circular economy by using more renewable materials and implementing the zero waste concept.

Dr Črtomir Tavzes at the discussion. Image: Marica Mikuljan

On 6 March 2020, also in parallel with the Home Fair, organizers held a national professional discussion, “Buildings and the green deal: Challenges and trends”, to explore the transformation of society towards a neutral economy. Dr Andreja Kutnar, InnoRenew CoE director, took part and presented the topic of connecting research fields with the economy, showcasing InnoRenew CoE as a good example of this concept.