The project “Equipping of Laboratories and Facilities of the Croatian Forest Research Institute” represents a strategic investment that will contribute to the establishment of research infrastructure (RI) of strategic importance in the STEM and ICT domains.

Located in Jastrebarsko, the facility will serve as the central research hub and headquarters of the Croatian Forest Research Institute (CFRI)  and a national node for applied research, development, and innovation (RDI) in forest technologies. This investment directly contributes to the advancement of Croatia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), the National Development Strategy 2030 (NDS 2030), and the Research Infrastructure Development Roadmap of the Republic of Croatia 2023–2027 (Roadmap). These strategic frameworks emphasise the need for large-scale investments in modern RIs and applied research, with the aim of fostering collaboration between science and the business sector, driving innovation, and strengthening national competitiveness. The project also aligns with the priorities of the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade, supporting Croatia’s transition towards green transition and digitalisation.

The project aims to upgrade and operationalise the newly constructed and renovated infrastructure of the Institute through the procurement of advanced scientific, technical, and support equipment. This investment represents the second phase of the modernisation process initiated in 2023, following the completion of the Feasibility Study and the launch of the facility reconstruction project. The overall goal of the project is to improve the Institute’s research performance, competitiveness, and capacity for innovation in the field of forestry, ecology, and biotechnical sciences by equipping laboratories and research spaces with state-of-the-art instruments, digital technologies, and high-performance computing resources.

With a total budget of approximately EUR 4,971,857.14 and a duration of 30 months, the project will enable the furnishing and equipping of specialised research laboratories, common working and collaborative environments, and office spaces. The equipment to be procured includes advanced laboratory and analytical instruments, field research equipment (such as spectroradiometers, terrestrial and UAV-based remote sensing platforms), 3D laser scanning systems, precision measurement devices, controlled storage and cultivation systems, specialized laboratory furniture, server and IT infrastructure, high-performance and mobile workstations, and professional software for statistical, spatial, and environmental data processing. Modern audiovisual and cybersecurity solutions will also be deployed to support a secure and efficient research environment. The project is fully aligned with the Institute’s long-term development strategy, as well as with broader national and EU strategies on green transition, digitalisation, and the modernisation of research infrastructure.

By strengthening institutional capacity, modernising laboratory infrastructure, and enabling high-quality applied and fundamental research, industrial research, and experimental development, the project will support the transition towards a knowledge-based, low-carbon, and resource-efficient economy. The activities will contribute to improved monitoring, modelling, and sustainable management of forest ecosystems in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing societal pressure on natural resources. The project will also facilitate greater engagement of the Institute in international research collaborations, project-based funding mechanisms (including Horizon Europe), public and private sector partnerships, and technology transfer initiatives relevant to forestry, environmental monitoring, and the bioeconomy.