Joensuu – Europe’s Leading Investment Destination for Forest Bioeconomy

1. World-Class Expertise and Research Close to Your Business

Joensuu hosts Finland’s strongest concentration of forest sector education and research organisations, including: University of Eastern Finland, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Riveria, European Forest Institute, and Natural Resources Institute Finland

Together, they provide companies with highly skilled professionals, research collaboration opportunities and direct access to the latest industry knowledge and innovation.

2. Advanced Forestry and Reliable Wood Supply

In Joensuu, sustainable forestry traditions and advanced technologies work side by side. Laser scanning, sensors, photonics and data analytics support forest data collection, resource management and production planning.

The region has strong expertise in timber sourcing and forest logistics, ensuring a reliable and cost-efficient wood supply chain — a solid foundation for industrial investments.

3. A Strong and Diversified Forest Industry Cluster

The Joensuu region is home to approximately 600 forest bioeconomy companies and 6,000 industry jobs.

The ecosystem covers the full value chain, from wood processing and industrial manufacturing to machinery production and digital forestry services. Established partner and subcontracting networks make business relocation smoother, faster and lower risk for investors.

4. Modern Industrial Areas and Circular Economy Opportunities

Joensuu’s industrial areas offer energy-efficient, digitally advanced production environments with excellent logistics connections. Companies can also utilise industrial side streams such as steam, waste heat, biogenic carbon dioxide and material flows as part of new circular economy solutions. This improves resource efficiency and creates opportunities for new high-value business models within the forest bioeconomy.

5. International Networks and Strong Business Growth Support

Forest Joensuu and the region’s research organisations provide companies with direct access to international networks, research partnerships and new business opportunities. The region’s strong forest bioeconomy and circular economy ecosystem supports innovation, growth and international expansion.