Lukkarinen, J., Lähteenoja, S., Hyysalo, S., Marttila, T., Faehnle, M. & Korhonen-Kurki, K. (2025). Trade-offs in expanding citizen participation in low-carbon transitions: Seven transition arena experiments.

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Julkaisun nimiTrade-offs in expanding citizen participation in low-carbon transitions: Seven transition arena experiments
KirjoittajatLukkarinen, J., Lähteenoja, S., Hyysalo, S., Marttila, T., Faehnle, M. & Korhonen-Kurki, K.
JulkaisijaEnvironmental Science and Policy
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104198
Julkaisupäivä26.8.2025
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Abstract

Amid the complex and persistent challenges of sustainability transitions, experimental governance has emerged as a way to foster reflexivity, learning, and policy innovation through diverse participatory practices. This paper examines the role of transition arena methodologies in expanding and deepening civic engagement in low-carbon transitions, specifically through seven experimental processes focused on ”climate-wise housing” in Finland in 2023. These experiments combined digital and in-person facilitation in an attempt to involve citizens in co-producing actionable insights on climate-smart behaviors, building renovations, and renewable energy adoption, hitherto directing the envisioned transition. The research explores three “avenues” of widening participation in transition arenas, namely expanding, complementing, and opening such arenas to explore questions regarding the potential and limitations of widening transition arena participation and the impact of such breadth on the depth of citizen engagement. Findings highlight trade-offs between different scopes and modes of citizen participation and reveal how participatory processes shape public engagement and policy responsiveness. By suggesting four implications on designing and implementing citizen engagement processes, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of participation in transition governance and its implications for sustainability transformations.

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Lähteenoja, S., Lukkarinen, J. & Hyysalo, S. (2025). Vaihtoehtojen avaamista vai politiikan määrittelyä? Murrosareenat kestävyysmurroksen edistämisessä.

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Julkaisun nimiVaihtoehtojen avaamista vai politiikan määrittelyä? Murrosareenat kestävyysmurroksen edistämisessä
KirjoittajatLähteenoja, S., Lukkarinen, J. & Hyysalo, S.
JulkaisijaAlue ja ympäristö
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.30663/ay.162716
Julkaisupäivä2.12.2025
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Abstract

Ympäristötutkimuksessa on viimeisten kahden vuosikymmenen aikana kiinnostuttu tiedon yhteistuotannosta, jonka lupauksiin kuuluu muun muassa tutkimuksen vaikuttavuuden parantaminen ja tilannekohtaisemman tiedon tuotanto. Varsinkin erilaisten kestävyysmurroksen haasteiden äärellä on ollut tärkeää tuoda erilaisia toimijoita yhteen tulevaisuuden kehityskulkujen hahmottelemiseksi, toimenpiteiden jalkauttamiseksi ja politiikan hyväksynnän parantamiseksi. Murrosareena on yksi menetelmällisistä avauksista, joissa tarkkaan fasilitoidussa prosessissa tuodaan yhteen erilaisia näkökulmia edustava osallistujajoukko muodostamaan tulevaisuuspolkuja ja tunnistamaan toimenpiteitä toivotun murroksen saavuttamiseksi. Tässä artikkelissa kiinnostuksen kohteena ovat erilaiset politiikan kontekstit ja erityyppiset tulokset, joita murrosareenoissa on tuotettu. Suomessa on vuodesta 2016 alkaen toteutettu ainakin viisitoista murrosareenaprosessia, joiden kohteena olleet murrosilmiöt ovat vaihdelleet kansallisten kestävän kehityksen ja luontopolitiikan strategioiden valmistelusta paikallisten toimien jalkauttamiseen lähiöiden energiaremonttien ja kiertotalouden edistämiseksi. Artikkelissa jäsennämme murrosareenoiden toisistaan poikkeavia painotuksia kahdella akselilla, jotka liittyvät tarkasteltavan ilmiön institutionalisoitumiseen ja tuotettujen viestien kohdistamiseen. Esimerkkien avulla kuvaamme, kuinka murrosareenat voidaan jakaa neljään keskenään erilaiseen painotukseen: vaihtoehtojen avaamisen areenaan, politiikan tekemisen areenaan, murroksen hahmottamisen areenaan ja kokeilujen käynnistämisen areenaan. Neljä erilaista murrosareenan tyyppiä auttavat hahmottamaan, miten tiedon yhteistuotantoa voidaan hyödyntää erilaisten ihmisten ja näkökulmien kohtaamiseen, yhteisen ymmärryksen rakentamiseen ja tulevaisuuspolkujen tekemiseen myös ristiriitaisissa teemoissa.

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Ingeborgrud, L., Lukkarinen, J. & Toivanen, R. (2026). Private intermediaries in multi-system coupling: Wood construction in Norway and Finland.

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Julkaisun nimiPrivate intermediaries in multi-system coupling: Wood construction in Norway and Finland
KirjoittajatIngeborgrud, L., Lukkarinen, J. & Toivanen, R.
JulkaisijaEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2026.101126
Julkaisupäivä17.3.2026
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Abstract

Multi-system coupling has become a key concern in sustainability transitions of incumbent systems. This article provides an actor-based analysis of private wood construction intermediaries in coupling the forest and construction systems in Norway and Finland. We adopt an ecologies of intermediation perspective on systemic intermediation orientations and functions and intermediary activities. The qualitative case study focuses on four private intermediaries identified as central actors in the ecologies of intermediation. The intermediaries in both countries emerge from the forest system, operating as closed membership-based organisations or open networking organisations. The intermediaries actively utilise the wider ecologies of actors to establish structural and functional couplings of systems. We distinguish between two distinct coupling approaches (incremental and disruptive) in the system coupling, and these impact the organisation of innovation activities for wood construction. We conclude that intermediaries lack the capacity for a coupling approach for disruptive change without strong institutional landscape pressure.

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Nylén, E.-J. & Klitkou, A. (2025). Digital Innovations in Wooden Construction for a Circular Economy.

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Julkaisun nimiDigital Innovations in Wooden Construction for a Circular Economy
KirjoittajatNylén, E.-J. & Klitkou, A.
JulkaisijaCircular Economy and Sustainability
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-025-00667-4
Julkaisupäivä25.7.2025
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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.

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Normann, H. E., Nylén, E.-J., Toppinen, A. & Lukkarinen, J. (2025). Building on solid ground? Policy (in)coordination in Norwegian and Finnish wood construction policies.

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Julkaisun nimiBuilding on solid ground? Policy (in)coordination in Norwegian and Finnish wood construction policies
KirjoittajatNormann, H. E., Nylén, E.-J., Toppinen, A. & Lukkarinen, J.
JulkaisijaForest policy and economics
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103630
Julkaisupäivä18.9.2025
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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.

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Kangas, H.-L., Ruggiero, S. & Annala, S. (2026). A business model taxonomy for smart demand response in the residential sector.

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Julkaisun nimiA business model taxonomy for smart demand response in the residential sector
KirjoittajatKangas, H.-L., Ruggiero, S. & Annala, S.
JulkaisijaEnergy
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.140567
Julkaisupäivä24.2.2026
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Abstract

This study develops a taxonomy of business models for smart demand response (DR) in the residential sector, focusing on a Nordic country: Finland. The research addresses the growing need for innovative DR solutions to enhance energy system flexibility as renewable energy sources become more prevalent. Through 18 qualitative interviews with Finnish DR companies, the study identifies and categorises business models into four distinct types: smart building services, energy company demand response, solar power demand response, and the Airbnb equivalent for electric appliances. Each model reflects different strategies for integrating DR technologies and services with existing market structures. The taxonomy provides a systematic framework for understanding and comparing these business models, highlighting their potential for market upscaling and contributing to the sustainable development of smart energy solutions in the residential sector.

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Salmela, E., Koskela, M., Syrjälä, H. & Kääntä, L. (2025). Guilt and innocence – Emotional discourses in online discussions on climate change and housing.

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Julkaisun nimiGuilt and innocence – Emotional discourses in online discussions on climate change and housing
KirjoittajatSalmela, E., Koskela, M., Syrjälä, H. & Kääntä, L.
JulkaisijaDiscourse, Context & Media
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcm.2025.100887
Julkaisupäivä28.4.2025
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Abstract

This paper explores the discourses of guilt and innocence represented in Finnish online communication in different platforms. Guilt and innocence represent emotional reactions, which are discursively constructed and connected to values and social norms. We pose two research questions to our study: how are the nuances of guilt and innocence presented in online discussions, and how are self- and other-centered discourses constructed in different platforms. The data of the study consists of online discussions concerning people’s mundane housing in relation to climate change appearing in the comments on blogs and in the discussion threads on an anonymous online discussion forum. By combining Greimas’ semiotic square with discourse analysis, we show how the categories of guilt and innocence as well as not guilty and not innocent highlight the nuanced ways in which polarizing perspectives to self- and other-centered discourses appear on different platforms. Our research contributes to the discussion on environmental communication by revealing more than just two opposing poles; our analysis shows the fine-tuned differences intertwined with gendered discourses constructed in discussions on different platforms. While feeling guilty or not innocent in the blogs is mostly connected with the participant’s own actions of not doing enough, assigning guilt to someone else seems to be common on the anonymous discussion forum. Still, the analysis indicates that while community norms and expectations shape the discourses they do not determine how the discourses turn out.

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Ahtosalo, H., Harju, C., Kylkilahti, E., Lukkarinen, J. Lähtinen, K. & Syrjälä, H. (2026). Bringing in the citizen: Stakeholder participation in co-production processes of sustainable housing.

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Julkaisun nimiBringing in the citizen: Stakeholder participation in co-production processes of sustainable housing
KirjoittajatAhtosalo, H., Harju, C., Kylkilahti, E., Lukkarinen, J. Lähtinen, K. & Syrjälä, H.
JulkaisijaAmbio
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-026-02416-9
Julkaisupäivä7.5.2026
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Abstract

Incorporating citizen views through stakeholder engagement enhances the democratic and equitable governance of sustainability transitions. Using stakeholder theory as a conceptual frame, this study evaluates the use of different stakeholder participation processes to co-produce solutions for more sustainable housing in Finland. This study examines how citizens are positioned, levels of participation, and factors affecting success. Data were collected in three participatory processes: a service design process, a hackathon, and transition arenas, which sought to improve citizens’ opportunities for more sustainable housing. Our results show that citizens were positioned differently across the stakeholder processes. Although all processes aimed for high levels of participation—such as collaboration and empowerment—the achieved levels varied and, in some cases, remained limited. Moreover, several contextual, organizational, and process-related factors influenced the outcomes and shaped how participating stakeholders perceived citizens’ views. Addressing these challenges is crucial when selecting participatory methods for research, planning, and policy.

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Vainikka, J. T., Lindfors, J., Laitinen, S.-E., Salmela, E., Kemppainen, T., Toppinen, A. & Bernelius, V. (2026). Five Finlands: A mixed-method climate attitude segmentation from a housing perspective.

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Julkaisun nimiFive Finlands: A mixed-method climate attitude segmentation from a housing perspective
KirjoittajatVainikka, J. T., Lindfors, J., Laitinen, S.-E., Salmela, E., Kemppainen, T., Toppinen, A. & Bernelius, V.
JulkaisijaGeoforum
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2026.104665
Julkaisupäivä17.4.2026
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Abstract

The climate changes faster than our collective sense of urgency for climate action. Previous research has acknowledged the diverse segments of climate-concerned publics but often without qualifying the discursive landscape within such groupings. In this mixed-methods-based paper, we first employ latent class analysis to random sample survey data representing the Finnish public to form a five-part classification. Second, we complement the segmentation with qualitative insights from online discussions and interview material. We name the segments Engaged, Aware, Cautious, Unsure, and Divergent based on their attitudes toward the changing climate and their housing behaviours. We also reflect on why the respondents tend to cluster into such segments based on socioeconomic, geographical, and ideological factors. Using this classification as a lens allows us to identify residents between more active or vocal opposites and sheds light on the overlooked mass that holds a key for more effective climate policies. While such a classification scheme can overlap at points and be contextual and shifting, it helps to place various approaches and attitudes to scale. By operationalising the created typology, we discuss why it is crucial to understand the views of the mass in the middle, i.e., individuals who recognise climate change but, to an extent, feel disempowered from climate-wise practices, why proliferating a societal change through these individuals has the best potential for successful climate mitigation and why it is necessary to understand their political agency for (in)action.

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Ruokamo, E., Karhinen, S., Kemppainen, T., Räihä, J., Strandell, A., Marttila, J., Häyrinen, L., & Toppinen, A. (2026). How is energy poverty linked with citizen perceptions of financial support for low-carbon housing?.

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Julkaisun nimiHow is energy poverty linked with citizen perceptions of financial support for low-carbon housing?
KirjoittajatRuokamo, E., Karhinen, S., Kemppainen, T., Räihä, J., Strandell, A., Marttila, J., Häyrinen, L., & Toppinen, A.
JulkaisijaAmbio
ISBN/DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-026-02364-4
Julkaisupäivä17.3.2026
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Abstract

Housing affordability and climate sustainability are increasingly interlinked in Europe, as housing costs strain household budgets and the residential sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates Finnish public perceptions of decarbonization housing policies, particularly views on financial support for the transition to low-carbon housing. Using nationally representative survey data from 2022, combined with housing registry and price data, we analyze how both objective and subjective indicators of energy poverty are linked with support for public funding. The findings demonstrate strong public support, particularly among women, urban residents, and those using oil heating. Objective energy poverty correlates positively with policy support, and subjective economic well-being mediates this relationship. These findings contribute to the growing literature on housing, energy poverty, and climate policy acceptance, underscoring the importance of addressing social vulnerabilities to secure equitable and widely supported low-carbon housing transitions.

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