with Sverker Danielsson, programme manager
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.
220MSEK
The total budget of the program for years 1-8
122MSEK
of which the budget from Mistra
98MSEK
of which the budget from partners in the programme
The programme is directed by the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, and the programme partners are Billerud, Holmen, Kopparfors Forests, SCA, Stora Enso, Sveaskog, Södra, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Skogforsk and Umeå University. Mistra Digital Forest is funded by Mistra and the participating organisations.
Photographer: Johan Olsson
In just a few years, AI has transformed the way we work and make decisions. For forestry, this development brings significant opportunities as well as new risks. Kristina Knaving, Senior AI Expert at RISE, shares her perspective.
Every plank carries a story. It begins in the forest – with where the tree stood, how it grew and which characteristics it has – and it continues all the way to the finished product. With digital traceability, this story can follow the timber through the value chain, enabling a more automated, efficient and knowledge-driven forestry industry.
- We are a broad consortium of researchers and companies working together to build a digital infrastructure focused on better utilisation of raw materials, on safer working environments, and on more resource-efficient processes. In addition to forestry companies, machine manufacturers and the suppliers of GNSS and weighing equipment are also represented here, says Johan J Möller, a specialist at Skogforsk.
In her column, Maria Wetterstrand argues that the forest is not a problem to be “solved,” but a living system to be managed over time.
Explore exciting research findings from the program. Click on the category below that you want to read more about.
Decision support
Forestry information systems
Forestry information systems
Forestry information systems
Decision support
Decision planning
Decision support
Decision support
Decision support
Automation
Automation
How can social values be created in the forest? And what do we really mean by that? Are social values in conflict with each other—or with other values in the forest? And if so, how can these goal conflicts be managed? These are the questions discussed in this episode of Den digitala skogen.
Guests:
Camilla Sandström, process leader for social sustainability and professor of political science at Umeå University
Karin Öhman, professor of forest planning at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
The forestry sector, like many other industries, is facing challenges related to skills supply and generational shifts. This episode explores how we can attract young people to a future in forestry and what matters most to today’s youth when considering career paths. It also includes an introduction to SLU’s new Master of Science in Engineering program in digitalized sustainable agriculture and forestry, launching in the autumn of 2026. We highlight the powerful combination of domain knowledge in forestry and deep technical skills with digital tools—exactly what Mistra Digital Forest set out to promote from the beginning.
Guests:
Maria Knutson Wedel, Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Caroline Stejmar, Head of Skills Supply at the Swedish Forest Industries Federation
In our blog, key people in the program write about what happens in their work.
Torgny Persson, Director of Research and Innovation at the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, explains why digitalisation enables us to see the forest in new ways, make better decisions, and create value in ways that were previously unthinkable.
Below, you can access materials from our own program conferences and other events where Mistra Digital Forest has participated.
In his column, the chairman of the Industrial Council, Fredrik Klang, writes about being there right when it happens.
Take part of the deliverables from the program (Swedish and English)
Skogsindustrierna is the program host. Additionally, the program has a program board, an industrial council, and a program management.
