University of Primorska
Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
Izola, Slovenia – Experts from academia, industry, and policymaking gathered at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM for the international workshop Building Global Mobility and Internship Pathways through Education-Industry-Policy Cooperation. The event strengthened collaboration between educational institutions, research institutions, industry partners, and policymakers to support student mobility, work-based learning, internships, and future skills development in the sustainable wood sector.
Prof. Klavdija Kutnar, PhD, Rector of the University of Primorska, and Matjaž Juvančič, Acting Director-General of the Wood Industry Directorate at the Slovenian Ministry of the Economy, Labour and Sport, delivered opening remarks and emphasized the importance of close collaboration among higher education institutions, industry, research organizations, and young people in advancing the competitiveness and sustainable development of the wood sector.
The workshop brought together leading international experts, including Professor Peggi Clouston from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who shared a transatlantic perspective on educating future professionals for the wood sector. Representatives of European wood policy, higher education institutions, research organizations, companies, and students discussed how international cooperation can address workforce challenges and create new opportunities for talent development.
Particular attention was given to the Professional Bachelor Programme Wood Innovation for Sustainability, which equips future professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed for the transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy. Students contributed their perspectives on future career aspirations, while industry stakeholders shared insights into emerging workforce needs and internship opportunities.
The workshop was organized within the framework of WoodPoP, a European initiative that promotes sustainable wood-based solutions through stronger links between policy, research, education, and industry. The event featured contributions from Georg Rappold, Chair of WoodPoP and Head of the Department of Wood Policy, Bioeconomy and Innovation at the Austrian Federal Ministry, who highlighted the importance of policy support in developing the skills and competencies needed for a competitive and climate-neutral European bioeconomy.
The programme concluded with networking and matchmaking sessions that fostered new partnerships among students, industry representatives, researchers, and policymakers. By bringing together key actors from across the wood value chain, the workshop contributed to building a stronger international ecosystem for mobility, innovation, and education, helping prepare the next generation of professionals who will drive the sustainable transformation of the sector.
