%0 Articles
%T Enhancing wood use in construction: networks and circular solutions in Finland
%A Rahman, Md Rayhanur
%D 2026
%J Dissertationes Forestales
%V 2026
%N 386
%R doi:10.14214/df.386
%U http://dissertationesforestales.fi/article/26004
%X Recent policy development and technical support have created prerequisites for Finland to become a forerunner in wood-based construction. However, especially utilizing reclaimed wood, wooden retrofits, and wood as part of nature-based solutions in construction all remain at a nascent stage in Finland. Therefore, the overall aim of this dissertation is to identify the processes for enhancing wood use in construction. This dissertation is comprised of three empirical case studies, utilizing the policy network and the business and innovation ecosystem lenses as theoretical underpinnings. Methodologically, a descriptive social network analysis and two qualitative studies using thematic analysis were conducted. The research proceeded by first understanding the characteristics of the local wood-based construction policy network (Article I), then exploring business ecosystem and solutions for overcoming existing barriers for reclaimed wood use (Article II), and finally by suggesting ways for enabling the development of innovation ecosystem when diversifying wood use in construction (Article III). The analysis of the local wood-based construction policy network (Article I) illustrates that the actors revolve centrally around research, industry, business, and government in the local diffusion of wood-based construction. The study on reclaimed wood use in construction (Article II) addressed high circularity potential, while its adoption is hindered by many limiting factors. Addressing these barriers requires engaging expert intermediaries and leveraging solutions across the market, technological, regulatory, and cultural domains. Article III shows that the development of an innovation ecosystem could be accelerated by the key actors' engagement, while facilitating actor links is possible through information sharing and greater communication, technological and platform development, re-education, and co-creation. Results show that municipalities have the capability to serve as ecosystem orchestrators, facilitating knowledge and skill development, disseminating best practices, and reinforcing local level governance. Expert actors' and intermediaries’ support is paramount from planning stage to the end of life of buildings. Overall, the mainstreaming of wood-based innovative solutions requires active engagement of relevant actors both at the local and the ecosystem level. This calls for continued interaction through stronger collaboration and sharing responsibilities between municipalities and construction companies.