The study provides an overview of transformations in the forest sector in Russia, performed by scientists at Petrozavodsk State University, discussed their proposed classification of the historical stages of forest transformation and directions for further research. 

Keywords: research, history, classification, forest sector transformation

In this article is considered the status and problems of timber industry of USSR during the period of perestroika (1985-1990), the period which became a kind of alternative to the Soviet economies development and, in particular, in timber industry. Special attention is paid to the development of forest machinery, as a factor that restrained the realization of potential of native scientists, engineers and producers. The result was realized in ever-increasing backlog of home machinery from abroad. This backlog caused further irreparable blow to the Onezjskji and Altaiskij factories in post-perestroika years, when loggers began to prefer foreign machines for logging operations, created mainly by firms from Scandinavian countries, which pursued an aggressing marketing policy.

Keywords: historical experience, forest sector, mechanical engineering, perestroika, innovative development.