FBI4EU

Forests are a cornerstone of the European landscape, covering approximately 39% of the EU's territory. These vast expanses are not just crucial for the environment but also play a pivotal role in the economy, job creation, and rural development. The forest-based industry significantly contributes to the EU's manufacturing GDP, employing nearly 3.6 million people across over 400,000 companies, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite their significance, the sector faces considerable challenges, including diverse regional policies, a need for modernization, and the necessity of sustainable practices to align with broader environmental goals.

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The forest-based industries in Europe exhibit great diversity and face varying challenges across different regions. While some areas have well-developed policies supporting these industries, others lack specific measures, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for growth. For instance, some regions may have abundant forest resources but lack the infrastructure or policies to fully capitalize on them, while others may have robust industries but face sustainability challenges. These disparities necessitate a unified effort to address the unique needs of forest-based SMEs and foster an environment that supports their competitiveness and sustainability. Without such a concerted effort, the sector may not fully realize its potential, resulting in economic disparities and missed opportunities for sustainable development across Europe.

The FBI4EU project is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together eight partners from seven European countries, each with unique strengths and perspectives. This diverse consortium includes business support centers, regional development agencies, municipal authorities, and research institutions, all dedicated to the common goal of enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of forest-based SMEs. From Slovenia, Poland, Croatia, Belgium, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, these partners contribute their regional insights and expertise, ensuring a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to the project. Their collective efforts are aimed at developing targeted regional policies, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable practices within the forest-based industries. A particularly notable member of this partnership is Our Land from Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a discovery partner, Our Land plays a crucial role in the project, bringing a deep understanding of the local environmental landscape and community dynamics in their region. Together, the partners of the FBI4EU project form a robust and dynamic team, committed to driving forward the modernization and sustainability of Europe's forest-based industries.

The FBI4EU project is dedicated to modernizing and enhancing the competitiveness of Europe's forest-based SMEs by addressing regional disparities and promoting sustainable growth. Through comprehensive analysis of existing policies, the project identifies strengths and gaps, paving the way for effective interventions. By sharing and implementing best practices across regions, FBI4EU fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Tailored measures are developed to meet the specific needs of each region, ensuring practical and impactful solutions. The project emphasizes broad stakeholder engagement, creating inclusive regional groups that represent various actors in the forest-based value chain.