To support Finnish-Russian co-operation in research, education and innovations by founding an organisation which will enhance co-operation, modernization actions in pulp and paper plants, and optimal use of wood material in Finnish and Russian forest industries. Specific objectives: To build the common ground and map the needs of partners and other relevant organisations in foundation of Finnish-Russian Forest Academy, the organization contributing to Finnish-Russian research, education and innovation in forest based industry sector. Achievements: The overall objective of the project, building common ground for the Finnish-Russian Forest Academy, has been concluded with the following results: Established CONIFER-network (Connecting Finnish-Russian Forest Sector Expertise aka the Finnish-Russian Forest Academy) accompanied by a description of its content (framework incl. target, key functions, organisation, funding, and members); signed Memorandum of Understanding among the Partners and Associate Partners of the project and in addition by the Finnish Forest Research Institute. These results were achieved by using the methodology and tools awarded via a grant (survey, research cooperation, and meetings). The mentioned results will be further developed under the second phase – extension and piloting via ENPI CBC funding (project SE688 implemented 2013-2014). During the project, the forest sector industry and all the relevant regional authorities were communicated in order to have a solid base for future development.