Synthesis project paves the way for the continued digitalisation of forestry

After seven years of research, innovation and collaboration, Mistra Digital Forest is embarking on a synthesis project in which the programme’s projects are being woven together into a cohesive whole. “We are highlighting the bridges between the digital ecosystem and practical forestry, all in order to facilitate the sector’s continued digitalisation,” says Camilla Sandström, Professor of Political Science at Umeå University, and the person leading the synthesis project.

– By looking beyond individual projects and linking together the results, data and experiences from across the entire programme, we can increase the practical applications of the research, and of Mistra Digital Forest’s contribution to the continued digitalisation of the forest industry, says Camilla Sandström, Professor of Political Science at Umeå University.

In 2026, she will lead the synthesising work that will result in a scientific publication, and in a report for the general public. The aim is to identify the bridges between the digital ecosystem and the physical forest value chain so that future research can pick up more easily, where Mistra Digital Forest leaves off.

– When summarising a programme, it’s so easy to focus entirely on the technical results. I also want to highlight what makes Mistra Digital Forest unique as a platform for collaboration between research and industry. This collaboration has been a catalyst for increasing the digital maturity of the sector, says Camilla Sandström.

“Digitalisation is a means of achieving large-scale change” 

The program has, according to her, served as a springboard for digital development. This is now evident in integrated data streams, high-resolution maps, AI support, and automation solutions as well as other research outcomes that directly benefit the forestry industry.

– Within the programme, many skilled researchers have been working in parallel to develop solutions. We are now seeing a growing digital network that is creating ripples far beyond the programme.

Digitalisation should not be an end in itself, but a means to achieving large-scale changes towards a forestry sector driven by ecological, economic and social values. The synthesising work outlines how digitalisation helps us to get there, Camilla Sandström concludes.