Cross-sector collaboration in the forest products industry: A review of the literature

Abstract

Cross-sector collaboration has gained attention from researchers in different fields of science in recent years because it represents significant business potential for forest companies to work with sectors possessing a more positive demand outlook, including those facing increasing pressure to detach from oil derivatives. Despite this, there is a lack of research regarding company-level, cross-sector collaboration in the forest-sector literature. This paper seeks to enhance the understanding of the cross-sector collaboration concept in the forest-sector literature and explore alternatives for forest companies to collaborate with other industries, rather than to compete. A systematic literature review is conducted to explore the relevance of cross-sector collaboration in the forest industry. Furthermore, the main drivers, benefits, and challenges of collaboration in the forest industry are identified. Results show that the literature has emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration for forest companies, but little empirical work has been done regarding the link between forest companies and other industrial sectors. Cost reduction, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability are among the principal drivers and benefits. Forest business culture, lack of trust, and lack of parameters to evaluate costs and savings generated are key challenges to forest companies implementing cross-sector collaboration.