WoodPoP Policy Lab 2026: Reflecting on Five Years and Looking Ahead
Tulln, Austria – From 20 to 22 April 2026, WoodPoP members and invited experts convened at the Wood K plus Kompetenzzentrum within the UFT Tulln premises for the WoodPoP Policy Lab 2026, “The Evolution of WoodPoP.” The event was organised by the Technical Working Group Governance, co-led by Georg Rappold and Lisa Lehner (BMLUK Austria), and brought together country representatives, wood-based industry representatives, researchers and other key stakeholders to reflect on five years of the platform and shape its future direction.
The event was opened by Elfriede Moser, Director-General for Forestry and Regions at BMLUK Austria, and Boris Hultsch, Managing Director of Wood K plus, and moderated throughout by Ursula Kopp of WU Vienna. Participants were also treated to an inspirational contribution by Gerald Steindlegger, Senior Research Scholar and Senior Advisor to the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program, which set a thought-provoking tone for the days ahead.
A Pivotal Moment for WoodPoP
The Policy Lab comes at a significant juncture. As set out in the WoodPoP Guidelines adopted at the High-Level Meeting in Helsinki in October 2023, WoodPoP is now undergoing a formal evaluation. The results of this review, together with recommendations from the Steering Group, will inform a decision on the prolongation or termination of WoodPoP activities at the 5th High-Level Meeting in Prague in November 2026.
Reflection, Dialogue, and Recommendations
Over three days of interactive sessions, breakout discussions, and plenary exchanges, participants reflected on the achievements and impacts of WoodPoP since its launch in 2021, assessed strengths, gaps, and opportunities, and drafted key recommendations and action items. These recommendations aim to position WoodPoP as a proactive and influential platform that not only promotes wood as a sustainable material, but also catalyses action and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders across Europe.
Study Tours: Wood Innovation in Action
A highlight of the programme was a presentation and guided study tour of the Wood K plus Kompetenzzentrum Tulln led by its Area Manager, Christian Hansmann. The tour offered the participants a fascinating look into the forefront of wood research and innovation. The group then travelled to the beautiful Tulln Gardens, where CEO Franz Gruber, Claudia Koch of Holzforschung Austria and Rainer Handl from Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs, led an inspiring guided tour of the stunning wood terraces, a vivid real-world illustration of wood’s potential in contemporary public spaces.
Next Steps
The draft recommendations developed in Tulln will feed directly into the roadmap for WoodPoP’s future:
- Discussion at the 9th Expert Group Meeting (online), 15 September 2026
- Exchange of Views and Decision on the future of WoodPoP at the 5th High-Level Meeting, Prague, Czechia, 26 November 2026