This study is part of RoK-FOR2 project (Regions of Knowledge for Forestry) which aims are to promote forest sector supporting sustainable use of natural resources, renewable energy, sustainable construction materials and biobased products, without jeopardizing the environment. The objective of RoK- FOR project is to initiate strong co-operation between the participating forestry- based clusters, through formulating a joint strategy and action plan for development, leading to increased innovativeness and competitiveness. The main objectives of this study were to explore the opinions and attitudes of the Serbian private forest owners related to the energy wood market and forest-based knowledge. Research has shown that unsatisfactory condition of forests, small and fragmented landholdings, lack of mechanization, poor condition of forest roads, lack of practical knowledge and particularly lack of investments, represent an issue for cost-effective production of energy wood from private forest owners. Private forests in Serbia occupy an area of over one million hectares, which accounts for 47% of all forests in Serbia. Private forests with over one million hectares represent a significant potential for the economic development of Serbia, especially in rural areas, where they are likely to contribute to the reduction of poverty of the local population. The potential of wood from private forests in Serbia is not being sufficiently exploited either in timber industry or the production of raw materials employed to produce energy. The main reason for the insufficient mobilization of wood from private forests lies in the characteristics of private forests, including the small size of forest estates, coppice origin of forests, a large number of forest parcels, undefined ownership status, outdated land registry, the lack of advisory services that meet the owners’ needs etc.