Impacts of locally situated R&D in forest industry : a comparative case study between Joensuu, Finland and Prince George, Canada
Räinä, Kaisa (2020)
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021052912395
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021052912395
Tiivistelmä
The object of this thesis was to explore different factors of how locally situated Research and Development (R&D) institutes shape the forest industries in Joensuu, Finland, and Prince George, Canada. Another object was to explore what kind of role the local governments have on accepting the new forestry products relating to bioeconomy. The aim was also to discover underlying factors of how Joensuu has succeeded leveraging the industry as becoming the “European forest capital”. Through comparative analysis in socio-political aspects the study analyses government’s role and the social acceptance in the communities. The thesis showcases different projects implemented in the city related to wood construction and bioenergy as a measure of support from the city to the forest industry.
The study discovered how regional policies in Finland have affected positively the forest industry in Joensuu, enhancing cluster development, and locating important research facilities in the city. Large investments and the local governments’ active role in enhancing the local knowledge networks and implementing strategies and programs related to forest-based bioeconomy have influenced the industry to gain recognition internationally. It was also evident that the presence of R&D institutes are attracting investment and expertise in the region. Comparing the industry in Prince George, it is evident that these two industries are differing in terms of research capacity and focus, and how local governments are supporting the industry by different strategies, policies, and programs.
The study discovered how regional policies in Finland have affected positively the forest industry in Joensuu, enhancing cluster development, and locating important research facilities in the city. Large investments and the local governments’ active role in enhancing the local knowledge networks and implementing strategies and programs related to forest-based bioeconomy have influenced the industry to gain recognition internationally. It was also evident that the presence of R&D institutes are attracting investment and expertise in the region. Comparing the industry in Prince George, it is evident that these two industries are differing in terms of research capacity and focus, and how local governments are supporting the industry by different strategies, policies, and programs.