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WOOD AND FURNITURE FAMILY

BUSINESSES FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST

DEVELOPMENT

Family businesses represent an important part of the wood-processing and furniture industry and
may play a significant role in sustainable forest-based development. This study aims to analyse how
family businesses perceive selected external determinants of the microeconomic environment, assess
the role of non-economic goals in their management, and propose a strategic framework for their
sustainable development. By Mariana Sedliačiková, Marek Kostúr and Mária Osvaldová, Technical
University in Zvolen

ood has long represented one of the most important
natural raw materials used by mankind. Despite Shutterstock
Wthe development of many alternative materials,

wood has retained its importance due to its renewable character,
ecological properties, and wide applicability in industry and
everyday life.
It is used in construction, the pulp and paper industry, the
woodworking and furniture sectors, and many other areas of
the economy. Because wood originates directly from forest
ecosystems, its processing and utilisation are closely linked to

sustainable forest management and the long-term availability production, making it appropriate to analyse these sectors
of natural resources. jointly within the forest-based industry context.
The woodworking and furniture industry therefore represents From the perspective of sustainable forest-based development,
an important component of the forest-based economy. In many the behaviour of wood-processing and furniture businesses is
European countries, including Slovakia, this sector plays a important not only at the business level, but also at the level
significant role in regional development, employment, and of the whole value chain.
value creation. Decisions about products, quality, innovation, and market
At the same time, the industry operates in an environment orientation can indirectly influence how wood resources are
characterised by increasing global competition, technological used, which assortments are preferred, and how strongly

change, and growing requirements for environmental responsibility. businesses support traceability, certification, and more efficient
Businesses must constantly adapt to market conditions, use of raw materials.
regulatory frameworks, and evolving customer expectations to In this way, business strategies in wood-based industries are
maintain their competitiveness and long-term stability. closely linked to broader forestry goals, such as better use of
The close interconnection between wood processing and wood resources, support for the cascading use of wood, and
furniture manufacturing lies in their shared value chain, where the long-term development of the forest-based bioeconomy.
primary wood processing provides essential inputs for furniture In this study, family businesses are defined in accordance