In Season 3of Branching out: the forest podcast, we explore how scientists in IUFRO collaborate across disciplines to tackle emerging topics through Task Forces. We continue the Season with the topic of innovation and the Task Force on Scaling-Up Science-based Forest Sector Innovation.
Host Gerda Wolfrum from IUFRO HQ and co-host Leila Rossa Mouawad from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and Deputy Coordinator of IUFRO's Communication Working Party, spoke with Task Force co-leads Lyndall Bull, an Australian forester with expertise in innovation and the bioeconomy trained at the University of Melbourne, and Rajat Panwar, a professor of responsible and sustainable business at Oregon State University, USA. They emphasized the importance of supporting the scaling up of science‑based innovation in the forest sector by raising awareness, strengthening education and communication, and promoting collaboration and partnerships among multiple stakeholders.
Why is innovation important? The world's forests face growing pressure mainly from climate‑related stresses while demand for wood and non‑wood products continues to rise. To keep forests healthy, resilient, and able to provide essential goods and services, innovation is vital. It is important to understand that innovation comes in a variety of forms, from technological and digital advances to improved forest and land management practices, as well as social, policy, institutional and financial innovations. However, whatever form it takes, innovation in the forest sector ultimately aims to enhance the economic, environmental, and social performance of forest-based systems.
What is the role of science? Lyndall highlighted the critical role of science in scaling up innovation, stressing that "Science provides for us the foundational knowledge that we need to understand all the different aspects of the forests and the forest sector. This evidence base is essential for ensuring that the innovations that we develop, be they technological, be they forest management or governance, are both effective but also inclusive and that they're also sustainable. We can't do this without science."
Are there any regional differences? Rajat elaborated on regional differences in innovation and stressed that, "Meaningful innovation in the forest sector must flow in both directions. That is not only from the Global North to the Global South, but between the Global North and the Global South. While advanced technologies are often developed in the Global North, it is important to keep in mind that some of the most powerful innovations in governance, in community stewardship, and livelihood integration are emerging from the Global South."
What is a main takeaway? For Leila as a communication expert, the key takeaway is that "innovation is only possible when communication connects science with policy, people, and practice, which means that communication is truly a key enabler of innovation in the forest sector."
