Ari Pappinen

　　University of Eastern Finland, School of Forest Sciences, Finland

　　The European Commission has set a long-term goal to develop a competitive, resource efficient and low carbon economy by 2050. Bioeconomy is expected to play an important role in the low carbon economy. The Europe has a number of well-established traditional bio-based industries, ranging from agriculture, food, feed, fibre and forest-based industries. It is estimated that the current bio economy market at about € 2.4 billion, using about 2 billion tonns biomass and employing 22 million persons. New sectors are rising, such as biomaterials and green chemistry. The chift to a bioeconomy is based on the advancement in technology of a range of processes, breakthrough in terms of technologies and cost effectiveness and will depend on the sustainable biomass value chains.

　　Bioenergy cluster has been strongly growing during recent years in Finland. In Eastern Finland bioenergy cluster provides work about 1100 man years and its annual revenue is about 120 million euro. Together with all five Eastern Finland provinces it has been created Eastern Finland's Bioenergy program Joint strategy, shared responsibilities and future visions. Program is updated regularly. The vision of the region is self-sufficient and fossil oil free energy region. The role of wood and wood industry in this vision is discussed.