Digital Innovations in Wooden Construction for a Circular Economy

Abstract This paper explores the potential of digital innovation as an enabler in the transition towards a sustainable and circular wooden construction industry in Norway. Research data consisted of eight relevant development projects on the topic and ten in-depth interviews with experts in the field. We examined the data with qualitative content analysis method. Our findings indicate that digitalisation could serve as a key enabler for the transition to more sustainable and circular wooden construction, but experts also discussed multiple challenges posed by digital technologies. Interviewees were consistent that most of these technologies represent incremental innovations. However, artificial intelligence and the integration of digital technologies could lead to more radical changes in organisational culture, user involvement and business models. Finally, interviewees highlighted several direct rebound effects associated with digitalisation in the wooden construction industry. Therefore, delivery of sustainability gains and avoiding rebound effects should be central in the implementation of digital innovations in construction sector.