Many Northern areas are rich in natural stone resources and they have been identified as being increasingly important as a potential source of special natural stone types. Natural stone, as a local resource, provides opportunities for long lasting industrial activity and employment for the local work force. However, the overall development of this sector of industry requires an assessment of material resources, which are usable in a sustainable way, and to link this to common networking, proper public management of the resources and an emphasis on the possibilities of regional infrastructure and co-operation. It is also important to highlight areas of synergy and co-operation across borders, e.g. production and transportation in Northern areas. The Pnastina project’s central aim is regional development of operational environments for small and medium size natural stone enterprises through demonstrated environmentally and economically sustainable practices, using quality natural stone resources and geological exploration. The project will develop a transferable regional business development and resource management concept to increase local entrepreneurship for transferring best practice, know-how and regional cross-border cooperation throughout the Northern Periphery area.