Presentation of Swiss Research Partnership Projects

Swiss Universities for Applied Sciences and Swisscontact
A development promotion program backed by SDC

Strengthening of research, development and training capacities; Wood industry, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The project between the University of Zeniza on the one hand, and the Bern University of Applied Sciences - Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering (BFH), on the other brought the expected impetus to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for the wood industry in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The aim of the project has been defied as follows:

To improve the expertise of researchers and lecturers of the University of Zeniza so that they can more readily implement demand-driven aR&D and advanced training activities in favour of the BiH wood processing sector.

Additional the project has been the basis for the establishment of a long-term partnership between the two institutions.
The project aim could be reached to a large extend through the implementation of the following main activities:
- Implementation of meetings and a seminar with entrepreneurs / stakeholders in order to define aR&D and advanced training requirements
- Development of methodical- and supporting material for R&D projects and advanced trainings
- Training at BFH of four researchers / lecturers from CoE in aR&D and advanced training
- Planning of infrastructure and equipment for the CoE
- Elaboration of test requirements for selected wooden products
- Implementation of furniture trial tests at BFH
- Installation of a CNC training centre at the CoE
- Elaboration of a Business Plan for the further development of the CoE
- Self evaluation of the project

As part of a big project, the implementation of first aR&D activities was depending on the provision of equipment and machinery, organized through other partners (Private Public Partnership project). The potential PPP donors and investors demanded first a Business Plan for their possible investment in the CoE. This unexpected request has lead to a delay in the delivery and installation of the equipment. Therefore, instead of the first aR&D activities BFH supported the University of Zeniza in the elaboration of the required Business Plan.
In general, the University of Zeniza and BFH are very positive about the collaboration and the results attained. The collaboration took place in a professional and pleasant atmosphere with a high engagement of both partners. Within a year, the University of Zeniza was able to build a sound basis for the whole CoE project. For the BFH the collaboration with the University of Zeniza is a promising investment with regard to common aR&D activities and the exchange of students and lecturers in the field of wood processing.

Contact:
Kurt Wüthrich, Research and Development Department
Head – Center for Development and Cooperation CDC
University of Applied Sciences Berne
Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
Solothurnstrasse 102
P.O. Box
CH-2500 Biel-Bienne 6
Phone: +41 (0)32 344 03 96
Fax: +41 (0)32 344 03 90
E-mail: Kurt.Wuethrich@bfh.ch
Internet: http://www.ahb.bfh.ch

Contact Partner organization:
Prof. Dr. Sc. Darko Petkovic
Vice-director for science, development and international cooperation
University of Zeniza
Fakultetska 3
72000 Zeniza
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Phone : + 387 32 444 420, 444 430, lok 127
Mobile: + 387 61 769 974
Telefax: + 387 32 444 431
E-Mail: dpetkovic@mf.unze.ba
Internet: www.unze.ba