Policy narratives on wooden multi-storey construction and implications for technology innovation system governance

Abstract The development and acceleration of Wooden Multi-storey Construction (WMC) as a set innovative building technologies has gained political support attracted public interest in Finland, some other forest-rich European countries. market share WMC, however, remains low. technological innovation system (TIS) around WMC Finland been assessed being its formative stages, but governance remain poorly understood. This paper analyses policy narratives on reflects these against the TIS. Thematic interviews with 17 experts were conducted 2018–2019 complemented review secondary materials observation wood construction-related events. Four identified, out which three “pro-WMC”: (1) bioeconomy narrative, sees means to advance more sustainable (2) climate change way enhance low-carbon cities building, (3) industry seeing create demand for high-value wood-based products, and/or reform construction sector, whereas (4) counter narrative questioned sector's role supporting environmental benefits WMC. measures highlighted accelerate varied highly, demonstrates contestations regarding goals niche. absence common vision among actors TIS does not result an optimal efficient platform accelerating diffusion. Accordingly, findings indicate need coordinated efforts “pro-WMC” key players empower niche effectively.