Prof. Katharina Lindenberg, head of the Institute of Digital Construction and Wood Industry at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, and Dr.-Ing. Tobias Schwinn, head of Research and Research Infrastructure at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), University of Stuttgart, are co-hosting the 56th Swiss Wood Innovation Network (S-WIN) Symposium, titled “Coopetition in Timber Construction – Stronger Together Digitally”, taking place from 28–29 October 2025 in Weinfelden, Switzerland.
The timber industry is undergoing profound change: digitalization, increasing project complexity, the drive toward sustainability, and a shortage of skilled labor all demand new forms of collaboration. The S-WIN Symposium 2025 will demonstrate how coopetition—the strategic combination of cooperation and competition—can serve as a key approach for building a resilient and sustainable industry.
Across four thematic blocks, the symposium will explore how companies can become stronger together through digital ecosystems, automation and integration, clear governance structures, and interdisciplinary planning—while preserving their competitive advantages and unique identities.
The event features an impressive line-up of speakers from both industry and academia, who will share their perspectives on competition and cooperation in timber design, engineering, and construction in the digital era. We are especially proud that ICD researchers Diellza Elshani, Tobias Schwinn, Samuel Slezak, Hans Jakob Wagner and Xiliu Yang will present their ongoing research and latest findings on the design and fabrication of complex timber structures.
More information on the line-up of speakers and on how to register for the symposium can be found here.