On 13–14 May 2025,FORZA representative had a great chance to join the two-day DRWO4.0 Study Visit in Kuchl, Austria organized by the Pilot Environment West. The event that brought together 37 participants from across the Danube Region was hosted by the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (SUAS) and focused on best practices in digitalisation and green transition in the wood and construction industries.

The first day featured presentations from industry experts, covering key themes in innovation:

• Industry 4.0 Transformation in the wood sector (Holzcluster Steiermark, Austria)
• Green Transition and Biomaterials with inputs from SUAS  on digitalised prototyping and sustainable biomaterials and from Faculty of Design, Slovenia on design in wood products.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the SUAS laboratories and workshops, gaining hands-on exposure to applied research and innovation. The group also visited the Holztechnikum Kuchl, a leading training institution, where they learned about sustainable wood construction and saw examples of innovative product development by Beyond Bending.

The second day included a visit to Weinberger-Holz GmbH in Abtenau, a major producer of glued laminated timber for the European market. The study visit gave participants a detailed view of digitalised manufacturing processes in timber production, and insight into how traditional wood industries are adapting to modern sustainability and efficiency standards.

This study visit was an important event in the implementation of the DRWO4.0 project, which demonstrates the potential of international cooperation, applied research, and the implementation of digital and green innovations in the wood sector of the Danube region.