Foresight

The main activities in the foresight function include: 

  • Research on foresight methods (e.g. scenarios, policy simulations and econometric forecasting), and the applications for the European forest sector.
  • Ph.D. theses research on the “Outlook for European Wood Products Markets and Trade”.
  • Actively building and supporting foresight research, activities and networking within EFI and EFI’s member organisations.
  • Participating in the Forest Sector Foresight Network with Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) and University of Eastern Finland (UEF). Project pages
  • Supporting European and national level policy processes by providing new foresight analyses, syntheses, and information.
  • In the COST strategic workshop series (2010-2011) “Foresight on Future Demand for Forest-based Products and Services” foresight experts and practitioners were connected both in forest sector and related sectors, to review information on relevant foresight activites and capacities, test interactive methods and to build capacities for exploring the futures. These investigations contributed to new research topics, research agenda building as well as new futures-oriented activities. EFI's Regional Offices have alsobeen active in initiating their own foresight activities and investigations.
  • Project “Sustainable forestry providing renewable energy, bio-based products and sustainable construction” RoK-FOR (FP7, 2010-2013).
  • Capacity building in foresight. For example, planning and implementing a master's degree course on the “Foresight Methods and Applications for the Forest Sector” at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF).