The construction industry is under growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions in response to climate change and regulatory demands, particularly in the Netherlands, which has set a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Timber construction emerges as a promising solution, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional materials like concrete, given its lower carbon footprint and its capacity to capture and store carbon. At present the domination of concrete and steel as traditional heavy construction material in new buildings poses the underutilization of using the new timber innovative technique within the Dutch residential construction industry, respectively a small market share of 3%. Therefore despite its potential, timber construction remains underutilized, and asks for research on several socio-technical challenges that are needed to advance widespread adoption.

To examine the factors affecting the large-scale implementation of timber building practices in the Dutch residential sector, a Technological Innovation System (TIS) framework is applied. By combining a literature review, case studies, and semi-structured interviews, key socio-technical elements and market actors influencing timber adoption are identified. Both embodied and operational carbon emissions need to be tackled, with the shift toward timber materials offering a significant opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. However, the construction industry and its actors remain cautious, often perceiving timber as too complex, risky, and lacking in standardization.

This study reveals that the socio-technical factors of leadership, management strategies, and business processes play a crucial role in supporting the transition to timber construction. In particular, project management and commercialization emerge as essential drivers of success. To help organizations prioritize their actions, a quadrant matrix is developed, categorizing strategies based on their level of control and impact on the success of timber projects. Moreover, the findings point to the necessity of integrated design, industrialization, and standardization as key approaches to overcoming the barriers hindering timber adoption. Practical recommendations include fostering open communication within organizations, clearly defining responsibilities, and implementing risk assessment strategies. Looking ahead, future research should explore the operational phases of timber construction and further refine the TIS framework, particularly by examining how socio-technical factors evolve over time. Continuous learning and adaptation are highlighted as vital components for driving innovation in the early adaptors phase of timber building practices.