Regional Stakeholder Meeting in Podkarpackie Region

On November 25, 2024, the Rzeszów Regional Development Agency S.A. (RRDA) hosted the first Regional Stakeholder Meeting within the framework of the Interreg Europe project FBI4EU – Forest-Based Industries for Europe. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including regional policymakers, representatives of SMEs from the forest-based sector, environmental experts, and academic researchers.

The meeting began with a welcome session and an overview of the project’s objectives in the regional context. Participants were then presented with an analysis of the current situation of the forestry and wood-processing industry in the Podkarpackie region, highlighting key challenges such as limited access to skilled labor, market volatility, and the need for more sustainable practices.

One of the core elements of the meeting was the introduction of the regional value chain analysis. Attendees were encouraged to actively participate in identifying opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the sector.

Group workshops focused on three main areas:

• the needs of entrepreneurs from the forest-based sector,

• strengthening cooperation and dialogue with SMEs,

• climate-related challenges and sustainable development goals.

The workshop results were later discussed in a plenary session. Participants emphasized the importance of developing tailored financial and legal incentives for SMEs, fostering stronger public-private partnerships, and integrating circular economy principles into local production models.

The meeting concluded with a summary of the main findings and a discussion of next steps, including the continued involvement of stakeholders in future project phases and the upcoming interregional activities.

The feedback collected during the event will be instrumental in shaping targeted policy recommendations and investment strategies aimed at boosting the competitiveness and resilience of forest-based industries in Podkarpackie.