INTRODUCTION

We are currently living in the fastest pace environment our civilization has ever lived. Companies are facing increasing cut-throat competition, together with ever-changing socio-economic trends. Companies lifecycle is getting shorter and shorter, with only a few thriving long-term. The key for long-term success is now linked to effective innovation practices. Innovation is no longer a “buzzword” but a fundamental ingredient of sustained success in business.

In past few years, Innovation strategy and management practices have evolved significantly in order to reap the benefits of creating new things that have an impact on the survival of every company. Innovation has been a huge factor of success to companies associated to “new digital economy”. However, traditional sectors of the economy, like forest-based industry, have also recognized that innovation is key for moving this sector into a sustainable path. Therefore, it is timely that industrial companies, that process forest-based materials, can promote their recent Innovation strategies and initiatives. These companies are striving to implement novel approaches and new technologies that can help improve not only their profitability but also its overall sustainability, in line with circular economy principles. It can be shown in fact that this industry is at the forefront of advanced sustainability principles and that Innovation is a key tool to achieve this