About UPM

In 2009 UPM renewed the company’s business strategy and created the Biofore vision. This far-reaching reform mandated a new strategic focus for the R&D and a broader base of skills. The new areas of competency were composed of four integral parts: fibril cellulose, biofuels, biochemicals and biocomposites.

The company began to expand the foundations of its competency in two ways: by redirecting existing researchers and by recruiting new researchers for its new areas of focus.

Forty people, about a third of all UPM researchers, are taking part in a training programme lasting nearly two years. The entire research staff is involved in a more general training, where the four areas of focus are presented. Cooperation between experts in different fields creates innovation.

The reorientation of UPM has been readily accepted by its researchers. Feedback shows that they feel self-assurance and confidence to put forward new ideas and views. The enthusiasm has also spread to researchers who are continuing in UPM’s present business areas.