The State of Innovation and New Product Development in the North American Lumber and Panel Industry

Abstract

Softwood lumber and structural and non-structural panel manufacturers in North America were surveyed to develop a better understanding of the state-of-the-art within these sectors with respect to innovation and new product development. The 160 responding mills were heavily oriented towards process innovation as compared to product or business systems innovation. Overall, respondents lack a systematic approach to new product development and the use of new product development tools. Firms actively use financial analyses and process-related testing, but seldom use customer-centric, marketing-related new product development tools and steps. Very few differences were found among the three sectors of the industry. Forest products firms may benefit from a more well-balanced portfolio approach to innovation and a more structured approach to new product development.

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