UPSC Centre for Forest Biotechnology
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - Institutionen för skoglig genetik och växtfysiologi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 35 000 000 |
| Project duration | January 2017 - December 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Competence centre |
Purpose and goal
UPSC Centre for forest biotechnology has brought together research at two universities with large forest industry actors, two SMEs (academy spin-offs), and the forest research institute Skogforsk. The center has produced world-leading research, innovations, collaboration and education in experimental plant biology, forest biotechnology and genetics. The Center has led to a dramatic increase in the participating parties´ receptive capacity for new innovations, as well as the academic parties´ awareness of the needs and challenges facing the forest industries.
Expected results and effects
The center has developed into a world-leading environment for forest biotechnology research. Together with its industry partners, the center has supported collaboration and development projects which have led to new patent applications. Industrial doctoral research schools have been run, where the PhD students have been given new jobs in Swedish or international industry and function as bridges between academic research and the industrial parties. The investments have also led to the formation of a new spin-off company and the construction of two new pilot factories.
Planned approach and implementation
Strategies to streamline the innovation system: Researchers and industry partners have collaborated in three "Task Forces" focused on basic issues of great biological interest and at the same time of potential importance for applications in the forest industry. The center has worked with industrial doctoral research schools, collaboration projects with industry partners, prioritised projects, "Proof -of-concept" projects and strategic projects of importance for the entire Centre. Also with reciprocal study visits and excursions and adjunct professors from industry.