Non-Wood Forest Product Sector Companies as Network Actors: A Case Study from Finland

Systemic changes in society (e.g. urbanization, digitalization and sustainability transitions) alter the non-wood forest product (NWFP) business environment. A good situational picture of the changes is needed to illustrate the development of sustainable business models for, and governance of, NWFP sector. Therefore, we assessed how NWFP companies create economic, ecological and social sustainability in their business networks, using Northern Karelia and South-Eastern Finland as case regions due to their large forest-based sectors and NWFP utilization. An actors–resources–activities model was utilized as a theoretical framework. We collected data through semi-structured interviews and analyzed it using directed content analysis and inter-researcher triangulation. Activities – most commonly NWFP raw material dealing, refining and distribution – were generally defined by the crossing of industrial and national boundaries. Many intangible resources gave rise to a competitive advantage for actors as inimitable resources. In tangible resources, products of industrial process and R&D&E products achieved the most observations related to the outputs. Trust, long-term relationships and identity-related values affected actor bonds. NWFP companies strove toward social sustainability, as reflected in values and resources in local value chains. Despite the NWFP network constantly changing, trust, commitment, shared values and local or domestic resources were foundational and promoted networking.