The Global Forest Sector: Changes, Practices, and Prospects

"This book is the cornerstone upon which the field of business management in the forest sector is coming of age. Together, the highly regarded contributors to this effort bring the analysis of the forest sector at a new scale, with a depth of field unseen yet. The book not only addresses innovation in the Global Forest Sector, the book is an innovation of its own. It does so by addressing the single most important concept to the industry for now and years to come: Change. This book will become a reference for diffusing advances in knowledge within our field, but it also sets the foundations for original knowledge production with crucial questions about changes in the industry, in the competition, in products, in markets and marketing, in business practices, and in the environment. It is equally valuable to managers and practitioners, which is an accomplishment to be praised".—François Robichaud, Ph.D., Research Leader, Business Analysis and Forest Products Marketing, FPInnovations This book comes out timely in charting out the changes in forest industry's global context, its relation with the environment, and new products and markets. It will help readers to envision the broader strategic importance of forest industry, and hopefully reinforces the concept of sustainable forest sector development worldwide.—Jukka Tissari, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations "While reviewing the book, I was struck with how perfectly timed it is to what the global forest products market is experiencing today. I can easily see leaders in our industry recommending most of their top management teams to read the book and get together to discuss the thoughts and trends described and explained throughout the text. Many of the younger executives and managers in our industry do not have a grasp of the historical side of how we got to where we are today. This book lays out that history and how political, social and economic situations and trends have pushed and pulled us to where we now are. Without an understanding of our history as an industry, it will be difficult for our future generation leaders to work together to innovate and bring us to that next level of excellence. To know that future students entering our industry will have the exposure to this book and its insights is exciting to see. I am looking forward to seeing this next generation of forest products professionals entering the workforce with this text as a backbone of their educational experience."—David Stallcop, Global Marketing Manager, Vanport International, Inc. "This book brings together information on a wide range of topics that heretofore has been available only to the most diligent scholar – one willing to sift through substantial, multiple repositories of scientific literature and relevant statistics, and to then organize information gleaned into a meaningful context. In the preparation of this volume, leading scientists from around the world whose work relates to the forest sector have combined their knowledge and expertise to create an extremely valuable reference for anyone seeking to better understand the workings and complexity of the global forest enterprise and related issues. From those new to forest sector businesses to seasoned executives, this book is likely to bring new knowledge and insights. Similarly, anyone associated with shaping or applying public policy will find a treasure trove of critical information that will help to inform decision-making and actions. Perhaps the greatest value is as an authoritative, comprehensive resource for academic leaders, students, and scientists at all levels. Well organized, written, and referenced, this volume is an essential addition to libraries, offices, conference rooms, and research laboratories worldwide." —Jim Bowyer, Director, Responsible Materials Program, Dovetail Partners, Inc., and Professor emeritus, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota