Digitalisation of European Forestry by 2040: Technologies and Strategies

Digitalisation is transforming the European forestry sector by 2040, enhancing sustainability, competitiveness, and decision-making through technologies like AI, remote sensing, data analytics, and blockchain. This report, part of the DESIRA project funded under Horizon 2020, examines digital innovations such as TREEMETRICS Forest HQ, 20tree.ai, Silvismart, and Wildfire Analyst, which enable real-time monitoring, forest intelligence, and fire prevention. It highlights challenges including digital divides in mountain regions, skills gaps, and misinformation risks. Solutions include user-friendly tools, traceability systems like NIRwood and RDIF Sundog, and e-marketplaces such as Forests e-marketplace. The study calls for targeted support, training for rural youth and technicians, and stronger collaboration between forestry stakeholders and digital experts to ensure inclusive, transparent digital transformation across the sector.