Emerging Stakeholder Relations in Participatory ICT Design: Renegotiating the Boundaries of Sociotechnical Innovation in Forest Biosecurity Surveillance

Abstract

Research Highlights: This research advanced understanding of stakeholder relations within the context of innovation using citizen science in a biosecurity sociotechnical system (STS) in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Background and Objectives: It draws on recent experiences in the United Kingdom, where analysis of stakeholder engagement in the development of biosecurity surveillance technologies and citizen science initiatives have occurred to support understanding and development of forest and tree health biosecurity. Early detection technologies are essential as biosecurity risks to the primary sectors increase with the expansion of global trade and shifting pest dynamics that accompany a changing climate. Stakeholder engagement in technology development improves the chances of adoption but can also challenge the mental models of users in an existing STS. Materials and Methods: Two conceptual models that embed stakeholder relations in new information and communications technology (ICT) design and development were applied: (i) a future realist view of the general surveillance system incorporating citizen experts as species identifiers; (ii) a social construction of the ICT platform to surface mental models of the system in use creating the groundwork for evolution of stakeholder relations within STS innovation. A case study demonstrating how we addressed some of the practical limitations of a proposed systems change by applying sociotechnical innovation systems (STIS) theory to the development and adoption of new technologies for surveillance in the existing biosecurity system was presented. Results: Opportunities to enhance the capacity for early detection were considered, where the needs of diverse factors within a central government biosecurity authority and the wider citizenry are supported by the development of a general surveillance network (GSN).

Exploring the Role of ICTs and Communication Flows in the Forest Sector

“…By utilizing remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and drones, ICTs enable real-time monitoring of forest cover, biodiversity, and human activities, aiding in the early detection of deforestation and illegal logging. Furthermore, ICTs empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and adopt sustainable practices for the long-term preservation of forests [86][87][88][89][90]. Additionally, they play a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge and communication.…”

Technological Innovations for Citizen Environmental Participation: Case of Poland

“…Widespread usage of ICT enables monitoring food prices in Africa in real time [32] or observing invasive alien species, which allows for visualizing the spatial distribution of these species [33]. The development of biosecurity surveillance technologies and citizen science initiatives also contributes to the understanding of forests and tree health biosecurity [34]. Without this technological advancement, citizens would struggle to deliver results in a coordinated manner.…”

Understanding Tree Health under Increasing Climate and Trade Challenges: Social System Considerations

“…Here, the authors explore social acceptability issues around the development and use of these technologies in the wider environment. Grant et al [13] provides insights into the codesign of a smart phone citizen science surveillance network in New Zealand. The authors argue that New Zealand's aspiration to involve the whole of the population in biosecurity surveillance is hampered by current systems that may struggle to handle an increased public response, but also that communities are not as engaged as they could be.…”

“…The authors argue that New Zealand's aspiration to involve the whole of the population in biosecurity surveillance is hampered by current systems that may struggle to handle an increased public response, but also that communities are not as engaged as they could be. Grant et al [13] highlight that socio-technological innovations through codesign require deep thinking about how to transform existing systems of surveillance so that they are able to take into account the different ways in which new users may relate to technologies. To integrate new users into the design process demands courage, acknowledging the costs of change for those already embedded in the system and trust in a process that will likely lead to new ways of operating.…”

“…To improve biosecurity in urban areas requires greater engagement with communities that are also typically hard-to-reach. Like Grant et al [13], Ogilvie et al [14] call for greater involvement and codesign of technologies suggesting that familiarity and trust will increase social acceptability. They promote the use of participatory codesign of new technologies-through the use of a visual tool-to incorporate social and cultural considerations and facilitate the inclusion of a broader range of views and expertise to inform technology design and use.…”