Gerhard Weiß

Dr. Gerhard Weiß is a researcher at the Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy (BOKU Vienna) since 1999. His work focuses on social innovation in forestry, governance of forest ecosystem services, and policy frameworks for rural development across Europe, particularly in Central Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

• Education: Master's Degree (1993), Doctorate (1999)

Research Interests:

• Social innovation systems in forestry
• Forest ownership transitions and institutional frameworks
• Governance of ecosystem services
• Policy design for rural sustainability
• Innovation adoption in small-scale forestry

Scientific Awards:

• Klimaschutzpreis der Österreichischen Hagelversicherung (2003)

Key Contributions: Collaborative research on social farming in Austria, carbon-efficient wood construction (ECO2-Project), and cross-European analyses of forest ownership dynamics. He has delivered over 50 lectures in 13 countries, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and policy coherence.