Construction is still on a downward slope this year, but the prognosis for next year promises better days ahead. In other industries, a shrinking domestic market can be counteracted by increasing exports, but this is more difficult in construction. However, wood construction is a potential exception to this rule.

By refining our green gold and selling it to those who need it around the world, we can do both well and good several times over. All we need is our own know-how – everything else is already here. Finland’s success has always stemmed from our intelligent use of natural resources, but future economic growth hangs on our ability to create new value based on these resources. By investing in know-how, innovation, and new technologies, we can ensure that the Finnish wood products industry not only remains competitive but also grows and evolves. Our greatest potential lies in exporting our know-how.

In this issue, we proudly present construction products that were developed in Finland and exported all over the world. On November 6th, we will be discussing ways to develop more highly-processed products on the stage of the international Puupäivä (Wood Day) exhibition. A research agenda for the wood product industry will also be released on Wood Day, listing themes where further research is needed to develop the industry.

The competence centre organised around Tampere University’s Doctoral School of Industrial Wood Construction will grab this agenda by the horns once funding has been secured. Supporting R&D activities domestically enhances well-being globally at the same time.

Our wood products industry can play a key role not only in lifting Finland out of its economic slump but also in storing carbon dioxide in buildings across the globe. Construction will not change unless construction products evolve. The development of highly processed wood products requires continuous innovation, research, and close collaboration between companies, research institutes, and the public sector.

Anu Turunen Managing Director, Puuinfo

Read the article in Finnish here.