The analytic hierarchy process based expert analysis of strategies and critical success factors of forest industries in Finland

Competitive forest industries are a necessity for Finland. Last year the forest industries accounted for half of Finland’s exports. Finland is the world’s second biggest exporter of paper and board. The present study deals with a Finnish expert analysis of different strategic courses of action concerning the whole forest industry sector. In the study a decision support method called ‘AHP’ (analytic hierarchy process) has been applied. This method makes it possible to evaluate several strategies and to synthesize qualitative and quantitative factors in the decision-making process. The method also gives an opportunity to test how sensitive the strategies are in relation to critical factors. Based on the study it has been possible to draw conclusions concerning the most recommendable strategic course for the Finnish forest industries.