Forests are vital for our climate, economy, and well-being, but managing them effectively in a changing environment requires reliable, data-driven tools. OptFor-EU is addressing this need by developing a Decision-Support System (DSS) through a process of active co-creation and design thinking. By bringing together climate experts, forest owners, and policymakers, the project ensures that digital solutions are rooted in real-world challenges rather than just technical theories.
Work across eight European case study areas has demonstrated that stakeholder workshops are essential for uncovering country-specific needs. However, integrating these methodologies can be difficult due to resource constraints, skill gaps, and the fact that current policies do not explicitly mandate co-creation processes. To bridge this gap, the fourth Policy Brief by OptFor-EU recommends that future EU-funded projects treat co-creation as a core, incentivized principle rather than a peripheral activity.
By investing in training and allocating clear budgets for stakeholder engagement from the beginning, projects can improve collaboration and ensure higher user satisfaction. Prioritising user-focused design is key to creating tools that truly support sustainable forest management across Europe.
