Cluster Initiative Forestry and Wood in Bavaria

© Forestry and Wood Cluster Bavaria

The Cluster Initiative Forestry and Wood in Bavaria was founded within the context of the Bavarian Cluster Initiative in 2006 and aims to foster networking along the wood value chain. The Cluster links up know-how vertically across all sub-sectors and horizontally across departments, the research sector and a great diversity of individual initiatives. Currently more than 500 companies, initiatives and associations are members of this strong alliance. With 200,000 employees and a turnover of 30 billion euros per year, this is one of Bavaria's most important sectors, both economically and socio-politically.

Within the Cluster Initiative, members can make contact with existing regional initiatives and companies which position themselves not primarily as competitors but as cooperating partners. In cooperation with research institutes, neurally structured networks are created which define themselves as learning units. It is the responsibility of the Forestry and Wood Cluster Initiative to support this development. Currently, solutions for such topics as "deciduous wood" or "wood plastic" are being developed. Thus, the cluster management is initiating regional pilot projects and analysing the flow of resources and products in order to develop effective solutions. Cluster surveys and instruments for network financing have been published to date. In addition, companies will find support for international activities here. The cluster is increasingly becoming active in an advisory and informative role on a political level. It addresses topics, acquires scientific knowledge (e.g. climate-neutral building with wood) and sees to the acceptance of these topics on all levels via well-directed public relations. The Forestry and Wood Cluster Initiative defines itself as the trigger of a self-organising and open structuring process. It mobilises slumbering economic potential – with noticeable success.

The technological focus

Bavaria boasts a large lumber supply in comparison with its international competitors. It has a modern and sound infrastructure, capable companies and exceptionally well-trained employees. All these factors provide a stable basis for the further development of the forestry and wood sectors. The renowned bavarian education, research and testing facilities contribute to establishing the potential for further growth of the Bavarian forest industry. The large number and great variety of players is a peculiarity of the forest/wood/paper sector. The broad span of participants encompasses, amongst others, forestry (around 700.000 woods owners), the wood cutting and processing industry, the predominantly internationally active pulp and paper industry, the wood crafts, the sector of energy-producing wood, the trade sector and the subcontractors. The craft sector (carpenters, joiners) alone includes more than 10,000 mostly small and medium-sized companies. This is why connecting the individual players along the wood value chain and improving cooperation between educators, researchers and practitioners is of special importance for the work of the cluster.