Supply chain relationships in the wood biomass industry

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Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to use the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) Actors–Resources–Activities (ARA) framework to investigate the cooperation between actors (suppliers, customers and intermediaries) in Poland’s wood biomass supply chain, as well as the activities and resources that underpin these relationships. It focuses particularly on the degree of cooperation and coordination between firms, the barriers to building long-term partnerships and the potential opportunities arising from better supply chain integration. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods design was used, combining three focus group interviews with 18 participants, and a computer-assisted telephone interview survey of 300 firms. Triangulating thematic analysis and descriptive statistics enabled both depth and sector-level generalisation. Findings Relationships in the Polish wood biomass industry are predominantly transactional, local and short term, focusing on price and immediate delivery rather than joint planning or knowledge sharing. High transport and storage costs, quality control issues and limited trust discourage resource pooling. However, respondents recognise significant opportunities, such as rising bioenergy demand, innovations in recycling technologies, and cost-sharing logistics hubs, which could stimulate cluster-type cooperation if institutional support and clear standards emerge. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on a single-country, cross-sectional sample and partly on self-reported perceptions. Longitudinal and comparative studies are required to examine network evolution and performance. Practical implications Managers should prioritise trust-building mechanisms, shared quality protocols and joint logistics investments to reduce costs and access new markets. Policymakers can catalyse collaboration through stable regulations, targeted grants and cluster facilitation, thereby accelerating both competitiveness and the achievement of circular economy goals. Originality/value This study is pioneering in its application of the IMP approach lens to the coordination of a wood biomass supply chain. It empirically maps actor–activity–resource interactions, exposing behavioural and infrastructural bottlenecks that hinder the transition to a circular economy.

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