Competitiveness of Companies Producing Wood-Based Panels as an Example of the Sustainable Development

Purpose: The research problem is the identification of areas of competitiveness, competitive strategies, competitive position and competitive instruments of enterprises in the wood-based panels sector in Poland. Despite many publications on competitiveness issues in the global and Polish literature, there is a paucity of research on wood-based panel enterprises. Design/Methodology/Approach: In the first stage of the research, a Delphi survey method was used. Delphi has been described as a qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods. This method attempts to respond to the complex nature of management and quality sciences and their dynamic development. The second stage of the research used a diagnostic survey method and an original online questionnaire conducted among a group of 89 managers employed in wood-based panel companies. Findings: In enterprises in the wood-based panel sector, the most commonly used competitive strategy is that of price leadership. Most companies in the wood-based panel sector assess their competitive position at a similar level. In terms of the competitiveness of the sector, the quality of the products offered is of great importance. In the future, a better position on the market will be occupied by companies that make greater use of innovative green technologies. Practical Implications: Any business that aims to achieve market success has to meet the challenges of the market and emerging competition. The results obtained help to contribute to the development of wood-based panel companies and will allow operators to compete more effectively in this market. Originality/Value: The ecological production of the wood-based panel sector actively contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It seems that the sector under study has the potential to play an important role in promoting the sustainable development and innovation of the Polish economy. This is why a multi-faceted study of the determinants of development in this sector is becoming so important.