Cross impact analysis of technological innovation and development in the softwood lumber industry in Canada: a structural modeling approach

The potential of processing and product innovations to alleviate the problem of declining quality of logs facing the Canadian softwood industry is examined. Comparative forecasts were made of the consequences of three technological investment strategies: continuation of present levels, increased investment in processing R&D, and increased investment in product R&D. The study identified a mixed strategy of investment in both processing and product technologies as the best approach for the Canadian softwood lumber industry to maintain profitability and market share in the markets in which it competes with US producers