In this thesis we examined the impact of climate change on the radial growth and wood properties of spruce and beech, as well as on wood availability and the development of the wood-based bioeconomy. Samples of beech and spruce were taken with an increment borer at different sites around Slovenia for dendrochronological and wood anatomical studies. Additionally, wood density variability was assessed using resistograph measurements. The results show a significant relationship between tree ring width, wood anatomical features and weather variables. We confirmed a significant relationship between wood structure and density in spruce, while no such relationship was found in beech. To assess the impact of climate change and forest management, we simulated different forest management practices and climate change scenarios on the availability of roundwood and found that forest management practices and extreme weather events have a significant impact on the availability of roundwood on the market. We developed a national input-output model to evaluate possible scenarios for the future development of the wood-based bioeconomy. The results of scenario analysis of the input-output model shows that the Slovenian wood-based bioeconomy can achieve up to 20% higher production value, 24% increase in employment and 19% increase in household income in the future through restructuring of economic activities. Climate change will cause a long-term change in the tree composition and productivity of Slovenian forests, and consequently require technological changes and adaptations of the wood-based bioeconomy. The wood value chain in Slovenia has a high potential for multiplier effects, while its development needs to be planned in the long term with clearly defined goals in order to exploit these potentials.
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