Abstract:

Purpose – The 2-year small strategic project funded by Tekes aims to focus on identifying the environmental impact assessment (EIA) best practices of private enterprises in Russia as well as easing the market entry barrier of Russian EIA system and process for Finnish and international companies entering the northwestern Russian market by providing an online Information Service – Russia designed from the feedback and needs of the private sector and thus specifically designed for the companies. Design/methodology/approach – The project and paper draws from research in the Russian business environment as well as of market entry barriers to northwestern Russia. The project’s research is carried out through direct interviews of the agencies and companies in northwestern Russian regions involved in the EIA process as well as of Finnish agencies and companies interested in entering the northwestern Russian market. Continual communication and feedback through interviews and seminars with the identified stakeholders of the project throughout the project’s lifespan will provide the researchers with the most up to date and direct information and the needs of the private sector. Findings – This project and paper, as well as the deliverable of the project of the Information Service-Russia online site will be created based on the research, fact finding trips, and feedback from the Finnish private sector industries to best ease the market entry barrier of the Russian EIA system and process. Practical implications – The research, paper, and Information Service-Russia site will serve the businesses in Finland and abroad in entering the northwestern Russian market, by helping ease the market entry by providing guidelines and contacts regarding the EIA process and system of the region. Originality/value – Obtaining and sustaining a competitive advantage for international businesses entering foreign markets is crucial for long term success. The research focuses on creating a toolkit for Finnish and other businesses wishing to initiate projects, especially ones requiring an EIA, in the northwestern Russian market.