Major investment in new research profile for Data-Intensive Sustainable Forestry
Linnaeus University has been awarded funding from the Knowledge Foundation (KK Foundation) through its Research Profiles programme for the initiative Data-Intensive Sustainable Forestry. The initiative will establish an interdisciplinary centre of excellence where research in computer science, forestry, and wood technology will develop AI-based decision support systems, data platforms, and visualisation tools for the forestry of the future.
The research profile represents an investment of more than SEK 100 million over eight years, funded by the KK Foundation together with co-financing from Linnaeus University and industry partners.
The initiative will be carried out in close collaboration with stakeholders from the IT sector and the forest industry.
“This is an important investment for Linnaeus University. It strengthens our research in both digitalisation and sustainable forestry while enabling us to build long-term collaborations with industry in an area where the need for new knowledge is substantial,” says Mauro Caporuscio, Professor and Project Leader of the research profile.
In its assessment, the KK Foundation highlights the profile’s interdisciplinary research agenda and the strong link between academia and industry through The Bridge, a strategic partnership involving Södra, IKEA and Linnaeus University. The review panel also emphasises that the existing research infrastructure, the Attsjö Super Test Site, will provide valuable access to data and further strengthen the research environment.
“For forest owners in southern Sweden, access to relevant research findings is essential for providing evidence-based guidance and identifying different options for managing forests in an uncertain future. Climate adaptation in forestry requires knowledge of how forests are affected, and this research will gradually generate new insights and results,” says Magnus Petersson, Head of Forest Development at Södra.
According to the KK Foundation, the initiative addresses the forest sector’s need for digital transformation. The research profile will develop new methods and tools to support decision-making throughout the forestry value chain.
“Initiatives like this are important for the competitiveness of both our region and Sweden as a whole. What makes this project particularly exciting is its combination of research, forestry expertise and new technology. The knowledge generated will help the forest industry make more data-driven decisions and strengthen the entire value chain for the future. For us as a technology company, collaborations of this kind are essential for developing solutions that address real industry needs,” says Niklas Malmros, CEO of Sigma Technology Solutions Group.
The proposal was developed through a joint effort by researchers and professional support staff at Linnaeus University. Participating companies include Ata Timber, Biometria, Hyggligt Skogsbruk, IKEA, Interior Cluster Sweden, Sigma Technology Solutions Group, Softwerk, Stora Enso, Södra, Tracy of Sweden and Volvo Construction Equipment.
The Data-Intensive Sustainable Forestry research profile is one of four new initiatives awarded funding in the latest call within the KK Foundation’s Research Profiles programme.