Cooperation and business networking of small and medium enterprises in forestry and wood industry in Juznokucajsko forest region

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), quite often do not have the capacity to independently meet all the requirements set by the market, which is why they strive for cooperation and business networking. This research aims to determine the attitudes of SME representatives in the forestry and wood industry towards cooperation and business networking in the Juznokucajsko forest region (JKFR). The paper uses methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative and statistical methods. Primary data were collected in two phases. At first, surveys were conducted with 43 representatives of SMEs in the forestry and wood industry, which operate on the territory of JKFR. After that, in the second phase, interviews were conducted with representatives of leading enterprises (six respondents), institutions and organizations from the public sector (three respondents) and business-professional and interest organizations (one respondent). The results of the research indicate that the majority of SMEs in forestry (78.9%), primary (60%) and final wood processing (92.9%) cooperate with other enterprises. The most common forms of cooperation are joint appearance on the market, and cooperation through the purchase of raw materials. However, in terms of business networking, the results indicate that none of the analysed enterprises is a member of an association. Regarding the cooperation with the competent institutions and organizations, it was determined that it is not present in most enterprises. Based on the conducted analyses, it can be concluded that there is support for the implementation of the proposal related to the establishment of SME associations in the forestry and wood industry. Also, respondents agree that it is necessary to improve cooperation with relevant institutions and organizations, by increasing the awareness of SMEs in the forestry and wood industry about their activities and work programs.