Project DRWO4.0 Presented at the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region

The 14th EUSDR Annual Forum, organized by the Danube Strategy Point within the framework of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), was held in Sarajevo on November 5–6, 2025.

This important regional event, attended by representatives of EU institutions, national and local authorities, as well as experts in the fields of digitalization, green transition, and regional development, emphasized the importance of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening competitiveness and driving digital transformation across the Danube Region.

As one of the key projects, the “Danube Region Wood Industry Transformation Model towards Industry 4.0 (DRWO4.0)” held a special place at the Forum — recognized as a “flagship” initiative under Priority Area 8 (Competitiveness of Enterprises) of the EUSDR. The project has significant regional value, as it fosters transnational cooperation between partners from multiple Danube Region countries, creating conditions for introducing Industry 4.0 principles within the wood industry.

The Forum also served as an excellent opportunity to connect the DRWO4.0 project with another initiative of similar scope — the SpinIT project (Boosting Smart Specialization and Encouraging Spin-offs in IT across the Danube Region), with plans for joint activities focused on cybersecurity.

The event facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices among initiatives promoting digital transformation and the application of industrial technologies across the region. Participation in the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region underscores the importance of sectoral connectivity, digital solutions, and regional cooperation for the future of the Danube Region — and the DRWO4.0 project demonstrates how such initiatives can serve as catalysts for change.