The Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) supports sector-based organisations through the measure for promoting the internationalisation of professional associations in order to strengthen companies’ export capacity, international visibility, and competitiveness in target markets. The support enables the implementation of joint, strategically guided activities that help companies enter new markets and increase their market share in existing export markets.
Since the 2010s, the Estonian woodhouse sector has been the largest exporter of wooden houses in Europe, with more than 90% of the sector’s production directed to foreign markets. Industrial timber construction combines high value-added manufacturing, engineering expertise, and sustainable building solutions, providing answers to the major challenges facing the European construction sector—namely the housing crisis, labour shortages, and the need to reduce climate impacts. However, the economic downturn of recent years and increasing competition have reduced order volumes, making more systematic and target-market-focused joint action a prerequisite for export growth.
The project “Implementation of the Export Strategy of the Estonian Woodhouse Sector for the Period 2026–2028” focuses on increasing the sector’s international visibility and credibility in three priority target markets: Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
- In Germany, the objective is to increase sector visibility and support companies’ market entry through marketing campaigns, participation in trade fairs and conferences, seminars, and the development of contact networks.
- In the Netherlands, the focus is on assessing market maturity, identifying suitable product groups and target segments, and carrying out targeted marketing and networking activities.
- In Scandinavia, the emphasis is on maintaining and strengthening the existing market position while preparing for demand recovery and future market share growth.
Through the project, targeted marketing and reputation-building activities will be carried out, participation in international trade fairs and conferences will be ensured, and seminars, joint visits, and delegation hosting will be organised. The project also supports the growth of companies’ awareness and export readiness. It builds on the export strategy previously prepared by the Estonian Woodhouse Association and creates a practical framework for its implementation. As a result, the sector will achieve a stronger international image, functioning contact networks in target markets, and better-prepared companies with greater capacity to achieve sustainable export growth even after the project has ended.
Project duration: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028
Measure: 2021–2027.1.3 Supporting the internationalisation of enterprises
Field: Supporting the internationalisation of enterprises (2021–2027.1.3.11)
Total project budget: €300,000
Requested grant: €150,000
Co-financing: €150,000
Applicant: Estonian Woodhouse Association (non-profit)
Read more about the call for support for promoting the internationalisation of professional associations: Support for promotion of internationalisation of professional associations.
