Strategic orientations driving bioeconomy transition in forest-based SMEs
Application period: 11 June – 10 August, 2026
Research project description
The forest-based sector plays a key role in advancing the bioeconomy by reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and supporting sustainable development. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are central actors in this transition but face growing challenges due to digitalisation, changing markets, and evolving societal expectations.
This research project examines how different strategic orientations, such as market, innovation, and entrepreneurial orientation, support the bioeconomy transition in forest-based SMEs. The project focuses on how firms interpret external stimuli, including customer needs, technological developments, and sustainability pressures, and how these shape strategic decision-making and business model adaptation. Attention is paid to changes in target markets, product and service portfolios, value chains, and revenue models. The main research objective is to identify and analyse how strategic orientations enable forest-based SMEs to adapt their business models and build long-term competitiveness in the bioeconomy transition.
Academic background and skills of the applicant
An ideal candidate holds a master’s degree in business administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, innovation studies, or a closely related field. The candidate is expected to have a strong interest in sustainability, strategic decision-making, innovation, and the forest-based bioeconomy, as well as a commitment to high-quality research with societal and industry relevance. The candidate should be willing to complement their existing expertise with knowledge in business studies, forest sciences, bioeconomy, and other relevant research fields. An interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research mindset is highly valued. The selected candidate must also fulfil the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at UEF (see the https://www.uef.fi/en/degree-programme/doctoral-programme-of-the-faculty-of-social-sciences-and-business-studies (Eligibility and admission criteria)).
The successful candidate demonstrates a proactive and collaborative attitude, enjoys working as part of a team, and is motivated to engage with industry representatives and other stakeholders in the bioeconomy sector. Willingness to participate in research popularisation activities is considered an advantage. The ability and willingness to undertake research periods abroad with international or non-academic partner organisations are also regarded as assets.
Doctoral programme and research group
Doctoral education in the University of Eastern Finland is arranged in seven discipline specific or thematic doctoral programmes. This research project will be located in the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, and the submitting department is the UEF Business School.
The doctoral candidate will join the Marketing and Consumer Behavior Research Group which examines consumer behavior and business success factors in the marketplace. The research themes cover issues arising from a range of factors including product and service innovations, sustainability, bioeconomy, e-commerce, digital technology, data analytics, sensory marketing, brands, international markets, and entrepreneurial behavior.
Partners / Secondments
Wageningen University & Research, hosted by Dr. Emiel Wubben
Other interdisciplinary, international and/or intersectoral collaboration
Intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration is strengthened through DP-FOBI’s three summer schools involving academic supervisors, non-academic partners, and other stakeholders, enabling hands-on interaction and knowledge exchange.