Service Innovation In Forestry: The Perspective Of Family Forest Owners

Given the critical contribution to diversity of the forested landscape provided by family ownerships, maintaining viability of family forestry is essential to forest sustainability. Innovation, in its various forms, can be an important contributor to maintain viability. Here we focus on the landscape for service innovation among family forestland owners, including discussion of the innovativeness of owners as well as the innovation system within which each owner operates. Service offerings are available to forest owners from various providers and adopting offerings can positively impact viability. Creating and offering services to society are another important potential ingredient for improved viability. Family forestland owners can offer a wide range of revenue generating services beyond traditional wood products. New technologies and business models present many opportunities for landowners. The challenge is designing an innovation system that facilitates both adoption and creation of innovations among family forestland owners. Our chapter concludes with a look at what the future might hold for service innovation and the family forestland owner.