Innovative Research Award
Matevž Triplat
Slovenian Forestry Institute, Slovenia
Matevž Triplat is a Slovenian forestry researcher, consultant, and scientific contributor affiliated with the Slovenian Forestry Institute. His research activities focus on forestry logistics, wood mobilization systems, digital transformation in forestry operations, bioeconomy planning, forest management optimization, and data-driven decision-making tools for sustainable forestry practices. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in international forestry projects, Triplat has contributed to the advancement of operational efficiency and environmental sustainability within European forestry systems.[1]
Abstract
The Innovative Research Award recognizes outstanding scholarly achievements and interdisciplinary contributions to scientific advancement and applied research. Matevž Triplat has demonstrated a substantial commitment to forestry innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable resource management through scientific publications, project leadership, and international collaboration. His work integrates advanced statistical analysis, geospatial technologies, forestry logistics, and operational optimization within the broader framework of European forest management systems. His contributions have supported evidence-based forestry practices and enhanced the implementation of bioeconomy-oriented strategies in forestry sectors across Europe.[2]
Keywords
Digital Transformation, Forestry Logistics, Sustainable Forest Management, Bioeconomy, Wood Mobilization, Forestry Economics, GIS Applications, Forest Operations, Environmental Sustainability, Operational Research
Introduction
Forestry research has increasingly evolved toward the integration of digital technologies, operational efficiency, and sustainable environmental practices. Within this context, Matevž Triplat has contributed to research areas involving forestry logistics, biomass utilization, forest owner cooperation, and advanced modelling systems. His professional activities at the Slovenian Forestry Institute include coordination of international projects, development of digital tools for forestry management, and participation in European forestry initiatives focused on sustainability and resource optimization.[3]
His multidisciplinary research approach incorporates statistical analysis, web-based systems, supply-chain modelling, and geospatial information systems to improve forestry decision-making processes. Such contributions are particularly relevant in the context of climate adaptation, bioeconomy development, and efficient management of forest resources across European regions.[4]
Research Profile
Matevž Triplat serves at the Slovenian Forestry Institute, where he has held research and managerial responsibilities related to forestry operations, logistics, cost calculations, and digital transformation initiatives. He has participated in numerous national and international projects addressing forest technology, biomass assessment, sustainable forest utilization, and operational planning.[5]
His professional profile demonstrates expertise in data integration, spatial analysis, modelling, and web-based forestry information systems. Triplat has additionally contributed to editorial activities, scientific dissemination, and knowledge-sharing initiatives related to forestry economics and sustainable resource management.
- Head of the Department of Forest Technique and Economics at the Slovenian Forestry Institute.
- Coordinator of the FOREST4EU project involving European innovation partnerships in forestry and agroforestry.
- Contributor to Horizon Europe and ForestValue research initiatives.
- Developer and editor of forestry-related digital platforms and monitoring systems.
- Research participant in projects addressing climate adaptation, forest economics, and sustainable bioeconomy systems.
Research Contributions
Matevž Triplat’s scientific contributions encompass operational forestry systems, forest-owner behavioural analysis, biomass utilization, and environmentally sustainable harvesting technologies. His studies have investigated wood mobilization systems, contractor readiness, forest subsidy structures, contract-based forest management, and optimization strategies for forest operations.
His work also demonstrates a strong orientation toward digital transformation through the implementation of web-based decision-support tools, georeferenced databases, statistical modelling systems, and supply-chain analyses. These efforts support efficient forestry planning and contribute to broader European sustainability objectives.[5]
- Development of WoodChainManager web-based cost assessment systems for harvesting operations.
- Research on forest owner cooperation models and machinery ring systems.
- Studies on forest subsidy distribution and contract-based forest management preferences in Europe.
- Contributions to sustainable biomass utilization and forestry supply-chain optimization.
- Implementation of geospatial and database-driven analytical systems for forestry planning.
Publications
Matevž Triplat has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications published in internationally recognized journals, including Forest Policy and Economics, Small-scale Forestry, International Journal of Forest Engineering, and Sustainability.
Research Impact
The research activities of Matevž Triplat have contributed to practical forestry applications, policy-oriented analyses, and international cooperation frameworks in Europe. His scholarly work has supported sustainable forest management, improved operational planning systems, and enhanced understanding of forest owner behaviour and supply-chain dynamics.
His involvement in international consultancy activities with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other regional initiatives further demonstrates the applicability of his expertise in real-world forestry management and environmental planning contexts.[4]
- Enhanced digital forestry decision-support systems.
- Supported sustainable biomass utilization frameworks.
- Advanced operational efficiency within forestry logistics.
- Contributed to European forest management research collaboration.
- Promoted data-driven approaches to forestry economics and planning.
Award Suitability
Matevž Triplat demonstrates strong suitability for the Innovative Research Award due to his sustained contributions to forestry innovation, digital transformation, and applied environmental research. His interdisciplinary expertise, leadership in international projects, and integration of technological systems into forestry operations reflect the objectives commonly associated with innovation-oriented scientific recognition.[2]
His scholarly profile combines scientific publication, practical implementation, and collaborative research, supporting broader sustainability and bioeconomy goals across European forestry systems. The combination of applied research outcomes and technological advancement further strengthens the relevance of his contributions to the award framework.[3]
Conclusion
Matevž Triplat has established a professional and scientific profile characterized by interdisciplinary forestry research, operational innovation, and digital transformation initiatives. Through extensive collaboration, publication activities, and applied research projects, he has contributed to the development of sustainable forestry systems and evidence-based operational strategies. His achievements reflect a meaningful contribution to forestry science and align closely with the principles of innovation, sustainability, and research excellence represented by the Innovative Research Award.[4]
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Matevž Triplat, Author ID 56850525400. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56850525400
- Rauch, P., Triplat, M., Kranjc, N., et al. (2015). SWOT analysis and strategy development for forest fuel supply chains in South East Europe. Forest Policy and Economics.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934115300460
- Juutinen, A., et al. (2022). Common preferences of European small-scale forest owners towards contract-based management. Forest Policy and Economics.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934122001526
- Haeler, E., et al. (2023). Forest subsidy distribution in five European countries. Forest Policy and Economics.
2https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934122001952
- Curriculum Vitae of Matevž Triplat. (2025). Professional experience, research activities, and publication record.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tPUMLN0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra