METLA Project 3308
Information technology and the forest sector
Duration: 2001
Keywords: forest sector, information technology
Objectives
In terms of economic significance, printing and writing (communication) papers are the single most important forest product category. It is becoming increasingly evident, that the development of information technology (IT) is likely to have substantial effects on this industry sector in the future. The changes in paper industry, in turn, may have significant impacts on the demand for pulpwood, and therefore also for the utilization of forests. However, the timing and precise nature of these impacts are unclear - partly because of the lack of research on the topic. The objectives of the research project are to analyze how the dynamics of the economy, society, and technology are influencing the paper industry and the utilization of forests. In order to accomplish this, a solid understanding about the development of the world's societies with respect to characteristics influencing consumption and the implementation of the new information technology has to be obtained. Future paper consumption in this environment will also depend on the ability of the paper industry to utilize IT to increase productivity, and to develop and increase the relevance of their products as supplements to the digital IT. The topic and the analysis has global relevance, but the emphasize will be on the European Union and Finland. The time horizon in the analysis will be long-term (next 10 to 20 years). The objectives of the project are to construct scenarios for the demand for paper products and roundwood. The results of the project can be utilized in formulation of national forest- and technology policy, as well as industry strategies, and as a basis for future research. The research project is a part of a larger interdisciplinary research consortium, involving research units in Finland and in Austria.
Project leader:
Hetemäki, Lauri
The Finnish Forest Research Institute,
Helsinki Unit,
Unioninkatu 40 A, 00170 Helsinki
Phone: +358 10 211 2218 Telefax: +358 10 211 2104
E-mail: Lauri.Hetemaki@metla.fi
Other researchers:
Rimmler, Thomas (2001-02)
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Updated 31.12.2004
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