This study is one of the outcomes of the project ‘Nordic-Russian bioeconomy pre-study’ financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2017. This study provides an overview of the current status and support framework for a bioeconomy in the Arkhangelsk region, Russia. It presents some key institutions and stakeholders in driving bioeconomy development in the region, and analyzes challenges and opportunities in transition to a bioeconomy. Finally, it highlights some topics of interest for the Nordic-Russian business and research collaboration in the field of forest- and waste-based bioeconomy based on the discussions with the Russian and Nordic stakeholders.