Exploring the unknowns : State of the art in qualitative forest-based sector foresight research
The forest-based sector is facing one the greatest transitions in its history in the face of global megatrends. Globalization, sustainability challenges and the ICT sector have put the world in a new light. Whereas some of the recent developments have resulted in challenges for the traditional forest industry, many positive expectations and opportunities are also seen to arise in the form of the transition to a sustainable bio-economy. However, to be able to fully seize the opportunity, the industry has to navigate through contingency where preparedness can have a major impact. Foresight as a strategic approach can help to prepare and sensitize decision-makers to be prepared for the future.…
Future bioeconomy pathways: case fibre-based packaging sector in Finland
According to the Finnish bioeconomy strategy, competitive and sustainable bioeconomy solutions for global problems can be created via new business creation both in the domestic and international markets. Forest sector contributes to roughly one half of the bioeconomy sector in Finland with main growth areas being packaging, industrial wood construction and production of renewable biofuels. Demand for renewable materials based packaging solutions is driven by growing environmental consciousness, technological development and the rise in online purchasing. The aim of the research is to investigate how fiber-based packaging value network actors in Finland perceive the role of sustainability an…