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Forests
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Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of...
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Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 6616

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nikolay Neykov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: entrepreneurship in forestry; forest sector ecosystem analysis; business consulting in forestry and forest based industries; innovation management; costs management; wood products; business economics; econometrics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Mariana Sedliačiková

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology, Technical University in Zvolen, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia
Interests: SMEs; family Business; wood-processing; entrepreneurship; controlling; financial management; production management; strategic management; strategic planning; strategic analysis; bioeconomy; quality management
Prof. Dr. Petar Antov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Forest Industry, University of Forestry, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: wood technology; wood-based composites; eco-friendly wood-based composites; lignocellulosic composites; wood technology; wood sciences; bio-based adhesives; advanced formaldehyde-based wood adhesives; formaldehyde emission; formaldehyde scavengers; recyclable materials; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of MDPI's journal Forests, titled 'Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy', is designed to explore transformative strategies and innovative management practices within the forest-based sector that align with the principles and objectives of the bioeconomy. This issue aims to bridge the gap between traditional management approaches in forestry and forest-based industries and the evolving need for the implementation of a bioeconomy as a contemporary tool in climate change mitigation, focusing on the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of the forest-based sector along the wood supply chain. We welcome contributions from a wide range of disciplines, including forestry, economics, environmental science, policy studies, and technology, offering a comprehensive view of the forest sector's role in the burgeoning bioeconomy.

The scope of this Special Issue is broad, encompassing a range of topics that reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of forest-based sector planning and management in the context of the bioeconomy. It will include, but is not limited to, the following key areas:

  • Efficiency analysis in the forest-based sector;
  • Sustainable forest industry production;
  • Forest policy and bioeconomy;
  • Technological innovations and the digital forest-based sector;
  • Forest-based sector economics and market dynamics;
  • Socio-economic and environmental impact assessments;
  • Case studies and regional perspectives.

Dr. Nikolay Neykov
Prof. Dr. Mariana Sedliačiková
Prof. Dr. Petar Antov
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioeconomy
  • sustainable forest management
  • data envelopment analysis
  • forest policy
  • technological Innovations

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1712 KiB  
Article
Circular Economy and Technological Innovation in the Forest-Based Sector: A Study on Wood–Plastic Composites Business Plan and Cost Calculations
by Mária Osvaldová and Marek Potkány
Forests 2025, 16(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16010052 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
It is currently essential to seek innovative solutions for sustainability and the efficient use of resources, rooted in bioeconomy principles and linked to the concepts of the circular economy. Technological innovations supporting the production of wood–plastic composites, using recycled materials, reduce the ecological [...] Read more.
It is currently essential to seek innovative solutions for sustainability and the efficient use of resources, rooted in bioeconomy principles and linked to the concepts of the circular economy. Technological innovations supporting the production of wood–plastic composites, using recycled materials, reduce the ecological footprint. The aim of the study was to present conclusions of the evaluation of the business plan concept’s effectiveness and to propose applications of traditional and innovative cost calculations resulting from the implementation of technological innovations in the production of wood–plastic composites in the forest-based sector in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. Using dynamic methods for evaluating business plan net present value, profitability index, internal rate of return, and discounted payback period, positive recommendations for project rentability were identified under both realistic and pessimistic scenarios. By applying traditional markup calculation, material cost savings of EUR 3.99/m3 were quantified, representing a relative saving of over 2% compared to traditional particle board. Verification of alternative machine hour rate calculation allows for more precise allocation of overhead costs into product pricing and provides the ability to respond swiftly to changes in input parameters. The findings have practical implications for the forest-based sector, as the use of recycled plastics can reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy)
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18 pages, 3775 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Economic Impact of Forest Management in the Brazilian Amazon Through Real Options Analysis
by Qüinny Soares Rocha, Richardson Barbosa Gomes da Silva, Rafaele Almeida Munis and Danilo Simões
Forests 2024, 15(12), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122069 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Reduced-impact logging is a key aspect of sustainable forest management in the Brazilian Amazon. Real Options Analysis (ROA) improves the evaluation of certified projects, increases their value, and supports investor confidence. This study evaluates the economic viability of a forest management investment project [...] Read more.
Reduced-impact logging is a key aspect of sustainable forest management in the Brazilian Amazon. Real Options Analysis (ROA) improves the evaluation of certified projects, increases their value, and supports investor confidence. This study evaluates the economic viability of a forest management investment project in certified areas of the Brazilian Amazon, using ROA to incorporate uncertainty and managerial flexibility into the decision-making process. The analysis focused on an Ombrophilous Dense Forest in its first cutting cycle, with 30 species of diameter at breast height ≥ 50 cm and a projected activity period of 30 years. Timber value was modeled using the mean reversion motion, and a binomial decision model was applied, incorporating options such as deferral, abandonment, and interruption. The deferral option should be exercised with a 100% probability, both in the joint calculation scenario and in separate analyses, highlighting the significant value of this managerial flexibility. In addition, when analyzed using ROA, the value of the project increased by 105% (USD 91,784,176) compared to the traditional net present value approach. The forest management investment project in the Brazilian Amazon is economically viable and the application of ROA reveals significant value added, demonstrating the importance of incorporating flexibility into investment decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy)
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19 pages, 2097 KiB  
Article
Impact of Skidding and Slope on Grapple Skidder Productivity and Costs: A Monte Carlo Simulation in Eucalyptus Plantations
by Danilo Simões, Richardson Barbosa Gomes da Silva, Ricardo Hideaki Miyajima, Lara Tatiane Avelino and Ricardo Marques Barreiros
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111890 - 26 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 947
Abstract
Background: In the context of mechanized timber harvesting, alterations in technical parameters, such as skidding distance and terrain slope, have the potential to influence the productivity and production costs associated with the self-propelled grapple skidder. Furthermore, these variables are inherently uncertain, which could [...] Read more.
Background: In the context of mechanized timber harvesting, alterations in technical parameters, such as skidding distance and terrain slope, have the potential to influence the productivity and production costs associated with the self-propelled grapple skidder. Furthermore, these variables are inherently uncertain, which could potentially cause forest managers to make inaccurate decisions. The objective was to analyze whether four skidding distances and two slope classes influence the productivity and production costs of the grapple skidder in Eucalyptus planted forests from a stochastic perspective using the Monte Carlo method. Methods: Productivity was estimated using the time study protocol. To calculate the cost per scheduled hour of the grapple skidder, both fixed and variable costs were considered, and subsequently, the production cost was determined. Results: The mean productivity of the grapple skidder on flat slopes was 114.35 m3 h−1, while on wavy to strong wavy slopes it was 80.43 m3 h−1. In flat slopes, considering all skid distance ranges, the mean production cost was 0.82 USD m−3, while in wavy to strong wavy slopes it was 1.48 USD m−3. The mean values for operator labor costs and fuel account for 58.1% of the cost per scheduled hour of the grapple skidder. Conclusions: The mean productivity of the grapple skidder in Eucalyptus planted forests decreased with increasing skidding distance in both slope classes but was 29.7% lower on wavy to strong wavy slopes compared to flat slopes. The mean production cost of the grapple skidder during timber skidding on flat slopes is 80.0% lower than on wavy to strong wavy slopes. For future investigations, the impact of other slope classes, skid distances, and silvicultural aspects on productivity and production costs can be considered from a stochastic perspective using the Monte Carlo method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy)
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15 pages, 2656 KiB  
Article
The Evolving Role of FSC Certification in Croatia: From Market Pressures to Sustainable Practices
by Kristina Klarić, Miljenko Klarić, Slađana Josipović and Azra Tafro
Forests 2024, 15(10), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15101717 - 28 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1254
Abstract
Forests are crucial in sustaining life on Earth and are at the core of global sustainability efforts, to which Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification makes a significant contribution. Changes in motivations, benefits, and challenges associated with FSC certification among Croatian companies, particularly in [...] Read more.
Forests are crucial in sustaining life on Earth and are at the core of global sustainability efforts, to which Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification makes a significant contribution. Changes in motivations, benefits, and challenges associated with FSC certification among Croatian companies, particularly in light of recent market fluctuations and global sustainability trends, have been examined in this study. The research was conducted in 2015 and 2023 using a survey method among FSC chain of custody (CoC) certificate holders in Croatia. A statistically significant decline in the proportion of companies citing customer demands and company image as the main reasons for FSC certification was observed, while environmental awareness became a more prominent motivation. Additionally, although key benefits such as retaining existing customers and attracting new ones remain important, a significant decline in the proportion of companies reporting increased profits as a benefit was noted. Challenges related to extensive documentation and frequent changes in standards also significantly increased. This study suggests that FSC certification remains crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the Croatian wood industry, especially as environmental concerns gain importance. Given that FSC standards help enforce European sustainability regulations, FSC certification is important for ensuring long-term resilience and success in an unstable market environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy)
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18 pages, 797 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors on Management Concerning Corporate Culture in the Forest and Wood-Processing Sector
by Silvia Lorincová
Forests 2024, 15(10), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15101694 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1113
Abstract
In order to remain competitive, the company’s management must consider the corporate culture as a factor that influences the success of the company. The aim of this research study is to identify corporate culture and examine the influence of selected socio-demographic factors that [...] Read more.
In order to remain competitive, the company’s management must consider the corporate culture as a factor that influences the success of the company. The aim of this research study is to identify corporate culture and examine the influence of selected socio-demographic factors that can influence management concerning corporate culture. Research was carried out in the forest and wood-processing sector in Slovakia on a sample of 2447 respondents. It utilized the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument. The findings indicate that a hierarchy and clan corporate culture were prevalent. The companies were characterized by their formalized and structured work environments as well as by their promotion of family-like relationships within the workplace, too. In terms of the preferred corporate culture, the clan corporate culture was clearly favored for the future. Success should be understood in relation to the internal environment and care for each employee. Following the results, the socio-demographic factors had an influence on management concerning the corporate culture. Therefore, it is essential for managers to tailor their approaches to the individual characteristics of each employee towards establishing a corporate culture that supports mutual relations in the workplace. This can affect the overall success and long-term sustainability of the company. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy)
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