The Public Council of the State Forest Resources Agency is a consultative and advisory body that facilitates a constructive dialogue between the state and society within the forestry sector. It brings together approximately 35 experts, including scientists, representatives of specialized universities, experienced foresters, woodworkers, and ecologists. Within this professional circle, Radmila Ustych, an expert from the NGO FORZA, presented the results of the international DRWO4.0 project.
On March 31, 2026, during a regular meeting, Radmila presented a model offering concrete steps for the digital and green transformation of Ukraine's wood processing sector. The presentation addressed the industry's most pressing challenges: how to transition from the simple export of raw materials to creating high added value within the country.
A key highlight was the integrated transformation model, which combines Strategic Value Chain Analysis (VCA) with practical tools for lean and digital manufacturing (CULIS). The core of the presentation focused on an integrated transformation model that bridges strategic planning with shop-floor reality. By combining Strategic Value Chain Analysis (VCA) to identify structural gaps with the practical CULIS methodology, the project offers companies a clear "compass" for improvement. This approach provides a toolkit of Lean, Digital, and Green solutions, allowing managers to visualize material and information flows, eliminate hidden losses, and increase efficiency. Ultimately, the model demonstrates that the transition to Industry 4.0 is not merely about expensive machinery, but about smart data management and optimizing processes to boost competitiveness in the European market.
The transformation model was developed within the framework of the DRWO4.0 project, which brings together partners from 11 countries of the Danube region and is supported by the Danube Region Programme. This collaborative effort by international experts has enabled the adaptation of best European practices to meet the specific needs of Ukrainian businesses.
