"We drive sustainable development in the forest and forestry"

How did you end up there? It's a question I get asked sometimes when I talk about my job. Many people think it sounds narrow, deep and difficult. Others are curious about Swedish forestry – whether it really is sustainable and so on. Over time, how I choose to answer has varied a little, but it always comes down to two things. Firstly, I have always been interested in sustainability issues and how steps can be taken towards sustainable development, and secondly, I have been fortunate enough to meet people who have inspired me and encouraged me to grasp the opportunities that have presented themselves.

Today, I am a proud programme manager for Mistra Digital Forest. Proud that we, as a research programme, are promoting sustainable development in the forests, and in forestry. The digital tools that are being developed allow for greater precision in operations, which can be carried out exactly where they are needed. Other tools can support decision-making on complex issues where the consequences of decisions are sometimes difficult to foresee, and may also push more decisions in a direction that calls for wise judgements. Forests provide values of different kinds, sometimes they are in conflict with each other, and sometimes it is possible to combine social, environmental and economic values. In this respect, digital tools can make a big difference. I am also proud to be a part of Mistra Digital Forest because of all the enormously talented people who are active within the programme. Researchers at the forefront.

Over the past year, a number of tools have been demonstrated in the forest. One highlight was the IUFRO World Congress, which was organised in Stockholm, bringing together 4000 international researchers. His Majesty the King opened the conference, and Mistra Digital Forest participated in several ways. One such was an excursion during which a number of the tools that have been developed were demonstrated in the forest in Södermanland. This was a good opportunity for us to showcase the results of the programme, and for international delegates to see a Swedish forest.

The programme conference in the stunning Wooden Hall of the National Museum of Science and Technology was another highlight, and the opportunities created by high-resolution data were central to the discussions. The programme conference in the stunning Wooden Hall of the National Museum of Science and Technology was another highlight, and the opportunities created by high-er resolution data were central to the discussions. Making differing interests visible, and ensuring that we develop decision support that responds to differences in digital literacy, are both important aspects of democratic digitalisation. I look forward to our continued development together and hope that as you take part in our Highlights you will be inspired by what is already possible today and by what will become possible in the future.

Sverker Danielsson 
Programme Manager