Agenda 2020
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Agenda 2020 began in 1994 as a partnership between the forest products industry and the DOE's Forest Products Industry of the Future program to accelerate the research, development, and deployment of new technologies in the industry. Collaborative R&D is focused on developing processes and technologies that can cut energy use, minimize environmental impacts, and improve productivity in industry.
Over the years, Agenda 2020 has taken on a life of its own. Under the guidance of the American Forest and Paper Association's (AF&A) Chief Technology Officers Committee, Agenda 2020 has expanded to include partnerships with the DOE's Office of Biomass Program, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These new partners provide funding to additional technology focus areas that are important to industry but outside of the mission areas of the Industrial Technologies Program. ITP continues to support the partnership, and is currently cost-sharing 39 R&D projects through its Forest Products Industry of the Future (IOF) program.
Agenda 2020 and the Forest Products IOF
The Forest Products IOF works closely with the Agenda 2020 membership and other industry stakeholders to establish research priorities and review ongoing program and project activities. Agenda 2020 plays an active role in shaping the Forest Products IOF portfolio by recommending technical areas for solicitations and providing technical evaluation of proposals and ongoing R&D projects.