The forest cluster is an important source of employment in northeastern Finland, but there have been few joint and planned development activities by companies in the sector. The development of cooperation between forest sector operators and increased cooperation between research, training and development organisations is the most important element of vitality that can support the development of companies’ business activities. Northeastern Finland has a long tradition, strong know-how and successful companies in the wood industry, whose development is to be supported.Naturpolis Oy and KSAK Oy have surveyed the development needs of timber companies in Kuusamo between September 2018 and January 2019. A workshop has also been organised for the timber industry, to which companies, decision-makers, researchers and experts in the sector were invited to plan opportunities and prospects for the development of the timber industry in the north-eastern country. The aim of the project is to establish an industry group for the timber industry and to start its operations, to build a development programme for the timber industry through the help of an industry group and external expert work, and to seek good practices elsewhere. The main task of the industry group is to define and agree on the common objectives of the industry and the first measures that we want to promote in the coming years. At the same time, operating models are created for the operations and funding of the industry group during the project period, and partnerships are sought and cooperation networks are promoted. Project tulokset:1.Puutoimialaryhmän start-up and organisation 2.Programme for the development of the wood industry in the northeastern country3.Excursions to important destinations at home and abroad