‘The digitalisation of forestry is a team sport’

Herman Sundqvist, Director General of the Swedish Forest Agency, attended the Mistra Digital Forests programme conference in November. In an on-site interview in the Swedish Museum of Science and Technology's new, award-winning Wooden Hall in Stockholm, he reflects on the digital forestry of tomorrow.

What are your thoughts about the digitalised forestry of tomorrow?

– We are at the beginning of a far-reaching change that will revitalise the entire forestry sector. There are incredible opportunities, as shown not least by the Mistra Digital Forest research projects. In the digital forestry of the future, I think we'll see further development of the machines and the support we already have today, but also innovations that are the result of thinking outside the box. For example, take the drones that make it possible to harvest forests from the air, this is an exciting idea that could greatly reduce the incidence of soil damage by vehicles. In order to strengthen the forest sector's important role in the development of society, it is important that all stakeholders participate in this digital shift.

What challenges and opportunities do you see along the way?

– The biggest risk is that the forestry sector fails to see this as a team sport. Historically, we have been good at collaborating, so that's also where the opportunities are, a good example of this being the national laser scanning programme, which is funded both by the authorities and by the industry. This team sport also has to be played between the industrial companies. They have many shared needs, and they need to make major investments in digital infrastructure. Forestry is being scrutinised, and the sector builds credibility together by being transparent and demonstrating its work on sustainability.

What role do digital tools play in balancing different objectives related to the forests' economic, ecological and social values?

– Digital tools are a prerequisite for achieving those goals, and contributing to sustainable Swedish forestry. Historically, much of the focus in forestry planning has been on production and the environment, but now perspectives such as climate emissions, biodiversity and social values also have to be included. With the help of digital tools, forest stakeholders can look at these different elements together. New technologies also make it possible to increase resource efficiency in each part of the value chain, detecting everything from pit traps to spruce bark beetle infestations.

How does the Swedish Forest Agency view future requirements for data?

– The need for fresh and high-resolution data remains central and in this respect we can do even better. Sweden's budget for national laser scanning is only one fifth of Finland's budget. The forest sector is dependent on data from elsewhere, and the Swedish Forest Agency has a mandate to ensure a functioning infrastructure that enables this exchange. We are meant to be a bridge between the forest sector and the Swedish public sector.

How do you regard open data from the perspective of security?

– We have to press ahead with increased digitalisation while at the same time ensuring a high level of data security. Sweden is well ahead in digitalisation, but far behind in terms of data security. We are a society with great trust in other people, and in our institutions, but in this transformative technological development the security perspective must always be kept in mind. There is a great deal happening in this area and security consciousness is increasing, but I also recognise that we have a lot of mental effort ahead of us.