OurJourney
collaboration
The Development of the Wood Solution Concept
Illustration by Gaia
collaboration
Strengthening Collaboration with
the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm / TNIU and key partners
Since 2022, the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm / Thailand and Nordic countries Innovation Unit (TNIU) has collaborated with EIF, together with leading actors from Thailand’s forestry and construction sectors, as well as Swedish organizations and experts, to explore opportunities for advancing sustainable timber construction in Thailand.
The collaboration has also strengthened knowledge exchange through initiatives such as the Thailand–Sweden Sustainable Development Forum (SDF). In addition, delegation visits between Thailand and Sweden have provided stakeholders with opportunities to better understand the entire forestry and timber construction value chain. As a result, the development of the Wood Solution concept has been underway. A strong network of pioneering actors has emerged around the shared ambition of developing a sustainable timber construction industry in Thailand. The next step is to translate this growing momentum into concrete pilot initiatives and long-term institutional partnerships capable of supporting the development of a new market system.
The Expansion of the Network and Ecosystem
More recently, several of key actors in the value chains participated in the Woodlife Business Delegation program funded by the Swedish Institute. During this program, participants shared their visions, identified barriers, and proposed actions required to strengthen Thailand’s timber construction ecosystem. The discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, innovation and coordinated action across the full value chain. It also resulted in a strong interest among participants to join forces with the earlier pioneer group formed, thereby expanding the network of actors interested in developing the timber construction ecosystem in Thailand.
The Wood Solution Thailand program (Engagement Phase)
Building on the existing partnership and momentum, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and EIF began a dialogue on opportunities for collaboration related to the Wood Solution Program - a concept in line with the goals of both organizations, emphasizing collaboration between forestry, industry, construction, finance, academia and public institutions to enable the emergence of sustainable timber cities supported by restored forest landscapes. In response to an invitation from Sida Bangkok, SEI and EIF therefore presented a joint application for an engagement phase to build on the existing momentum with broad support from many Thai and Swedish actors.
The proposed Wood Solution Thailand Program is envisioned as seven- to ten-year initiative aimed at enabling and scaling the development of a sustainable timber construction ecosystem.
The Engagement Phase (March–June 2026) is the first preparatory step supported by SIDA, the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm / TNIU, EIF, and SEI. It will mobilize partners, identify viable pilot initiatives, and establish the institutional, technical, and financial groundwork needed to launch the full program.
Key Timeline
