New challenges for the forest sector to contribute to rural development in Europe

Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to study the possibilities for employment and income generation in the border regions of Europe. Based on quantitative analysis, regional variation in forest resource and socio-economic structures in EU countries was considered wide. However, on the basis of national-level data, country groups that have similar characteristics in forestry, forest-products trade and socio-economics could be identified. These groups prove a valuable aid in arriving at suggestions for a more general applicability of the results of regional-level analyses. Qualitative comparative analysis was used in looking for support for the hypotheses on regional development. In conclusion of the qualitative analysis, the development efforts should be put on the approaches that utilise the local characteristics the best, and special attention should be paid to the human resources. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.