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Perspectives and challenges of logging enterprises in the Italian Alps

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  • Spinelli, Raffaele
  • Magagnotti, Natascia
  • Jessup, Eric
  • Soucy, Michel

Abstract

This study surveyed logging businesses in the Italian Alps to obtain a first detailed description of their current financial wellbeing, of their future intentions and of the success factors and obstacles perceived by the entrepreneurs. Answers from 322 respondents suggest a relatively stable group of enterprises, where the large majority (ca. 90%) intends to stay in business, but where investment intentions are limited (50% of the respondents). This is consistent with the self-assessed financial performance of either breaking even or of generating small profits (80% of the respondents). While equipment modernization was commonly reported as a success factor, professional skills seemed to be recognized as playing an even stronger role. There was strong agreement between respondents on the main business hurdles being related to rising costs, taxes and regulations, and unfair competition. The perspectives and information provided from this survey are discussed with the intent to help policy makers in designing successful strategies to stimulate the business growth required to reach the increasing bio-based and renewable products goals set in place throughout the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Spinelli, Raffaele & Magagnotti, Natascia & Jessup, Eric & Soucy, Michel, 2017. "Perspectives and challenges of logging enterprises in the Italian Alps," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 44-51.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:80:y:2017:i:c:p:44-51
    DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2017.03.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Spinelli, Raffaele & Magagnotti, Natascia & Picchi, Gianni, 2011. "Annual use, economic life and residual value of cut-to-length harvesting machines," Journal of Forest Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(4), pages 378-387.
    2. Spinelli, Raffaele & Magagnotti, Natascia, 2011. "The effects of introducing modern technology on the financial, labour and energy performance of forest operations in the Italian Alps," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 13(7), pages 520-524, September.
    3. Petty, Aaron & Kärhä, Kalle, 2011. "Effects of subsidies on the profitability of energy wood production of wood chips from early thinnings in Finland," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 13(7), pages 575-581, September.
    4. Stuart, William B. & Grace, Laura A. & Grala, Robert K., 2010. "Returns to scale in the Eastern United States logging industry," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 12(6), pages 451-456, July.
    5. Buongiorno, Joseph & Raunikar, Ronald & Zhu, Shushuai, 2011. "Consequences of increasing bioenergy demand on wood and forests: An application of the Global Forest Products Model," Journal of Forest Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 214-229, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Štěrbová, Martina & Stojanovski, Vladimir & Weiss, Gerhard & Šálka, Jaroslav, 2019. "Innovating in a traditional sector: Innovation in forest harvesting in Slovakia and Macedonia," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 1-1.

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