Building on solid ground? (In)Coordination within Norwegian and Finnish wood construction policies

Abstract

Increased use of wood represents a potential way to reduce emissions from construction. However, its adoption depends on coherent and well-coordinated policy support. This paper examines how policies in Norway and Finland align, or fail to align, across sectors and levels of governance. We investigate how policy consistency and coordination shape the development and implementation of wood construction policies in Finland and Norway.

Drawing on literature on innovation policy sustainability transitions, and policy mixes, we analyse the consistency and coordination of goals, strategies, and instruments across policy domains and governance levels. The analysis is based on policy documents and interviews in both countries.

Both countries have promoted wood construction for decades, leading to innovation and the adoption of new solutions, but with varying levels of policy integration and commitment. In both cases, fragmentation across policy fields and limited vertical integration have hampered more transformative change. Horizontal coordination has been hindered by fragmented ministerial ownership, while vertical coordination is challenged by differences in local capacity and priorities, and a lack of stronger national level requirements.

This paper contributes to sustainability transitions research by offering a comparative analysis of how policy consistency and coordination shape wood construction policies in two forest-rich countries. It shows that fragmented responsibilities, weak regulatory direction, and limited vertical and horizontal coordination hinder the realisation of wood's decarbonisation potential. Strengthening policy alignment and institutional coordination is essential to enable wood to play a larger role in low-carbon construction transitions.