The work is structured as a set of publications looking at the conifer value chain and how it can be improved. Approximately half of Latvia is covered by forests dominated by pine forests. Of the area managed by Latvia's state forests, 45% is pine plantations and 22% is spruce plantations. These are significant resources with great potential for the environment and the Latvian economy. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, a considerable amount of timber was exported from Riga's ports, unfortunately mostly mastic and sawn timber, which was shipped to Central European countries where it generated more added value. However, today, with the fight against climate change and the European Green Deal, the need to use bioresources sustainably has become even more pressing: 1) to decouple economic growth from resource consumption and 2) to reduce CO2 emissions associated with both fossil and biofuel combustion. The theoretical analysis used in this work provides a balanced view of the factors influencing the development of the bioeconomy at both national and company level. Looking at resource efficiency in the softwood value chain, the thesis provides an in-depth analysis of several innovative products and technologies that would contribute to resource efficiency at both national and company level. The thesis also includes a pilot study on the production of chipboard from softwood logging residues and bio-based binders, completely excluding fossilbased binders. The work has been validated by seven scientific publications, one manuscript of a scientific publication, and one visual presentation at an international scientific conference.