Forest data under the microscope – report looks for value creation strategies

Never before has so much data been collected about the forests. Used correctly, it can contribute to well-informed decisions that promote long-term sustainable forestry. But which data is of interest, and who has access to it? In 2026, Mistra Digital Forest will publish a report that attempts to identify possible strategies for creating value from forest data.

The volume of data generated in the forestry sector has increased significantly. However, more data does not automatically lead to better decision-making, or to more sustainable forestry. That requires active initiatives, organisational changes and a systemic perspective that captures the needs of various stakeholders – from landowners and companies, to public authorities and to society in general. This is the starting point for a report from Mistra Digital Forest, due to be published in 2026.

– The report is aimed at a broad audience and seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of Sweden’s forestry data. It covers how the data can be put to good use, and the conditions that are required in order to utilise it wisely. To make well-informed decisions, we need a better overview, as well as a shared language, says Daniel Nylén, Associate Professor at the Department of Informatics at Umeå University.

There is no overall perspective about forestry data

The report, produced in collaboration between researchers at Skogforsk and Umeå University, sees the lack of an overall perspective on forestry data as a key challenge. There is often no common language for describing types of data, nor is there an understanding of the willingness or the ability of different stakeholders to share data. Here, factors such as regulatory requirements, competition law as well as commercial interests can influence the possibilities.

– We often start with the data we already have and see what we can do with it. Here, we’re turning that around on its head and ask ourselves what the various stakeholders want to achieve. We then work backwards, to see what’s needed to get ourselves there, says Maria Nordström, Programme Manager for Digital Transformation and Forest Planning at Skogforsk.

For example, the project identifies the types of data that create value for different stakeholders.

– We work from the individual level, through an industry perspective, and up to the societal level. We also zoom out, and study the bigger picture in order to identify areas where it is both valuable and feasible to collaborate on data, says Maria Nordström.

Data sharing paves the way for better decision-making and innovation 

The researchers are also examining how policymakers are addressing the issue in Sweden’s updated digitalisation strategy, which was published in 2025. This strategy places a much greater emphasis on AI, security, and data than previously. Recently, several sectoral public authorities have also been tasked with collecting and making available data about nature and society. Daniel Nylén sees an important link here, to creating the conditions for better decision-making and innovation:

– What really paves the way for innovation is when data can be shared and combined across industry boundaries. In the long term, strengthening the infrastructure for data sharing could have a major impact on how quickly new solutions can be developed in a secure and sustainable way, says Daniel Nylén.

No ready-made answers – but an easily accessible starting point for discussion 

In Sweden, there are currently several parallel initiatives in the form of data labs, data hubs and data factories, which are driving innovation but are also creating fragmentation. Looking ahead, the question will be how these initiatives can be coordinated into a cohesive whole that benefits both the industry and society too.

– Uncertainties linked to data create inertia in the system. At the same time, developments are moving so fast that many stakeholders cannot afford to wait for joint initiatives. Instead, they are starting to build their own solutions, which results in fragmentation. Here, Mistra Digital Forest can serve as a forum where the industry can reach consensus on what should be coordinated. The report does not provide a definitive answer, but hopefully it will serve as an easily accessible basis for a more constructive discussion, Maria Nordström concludes.