Fostering UAS Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in Europe: Assessing the Role of Diversified Stakeholders in the Network

This research explores an interdisciplinary methodology for evaluating the role of diverse stakeholders-including policymakers, technology developers, and agricultural practitioners-in the development and deployment of multi-purpose drone applications within the European Union. The methodological framework, tested on five use cases across Europe, aims to enhance the Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) ecosystem and strengthen local networks within EU member states. Addressing initiatives in livestock & crop monitoring, drone spraying, forest biodiversity, and rural logistics, the study identifies unique network structures, and the varied roles stakeholders play. As part of the ICAERUS Project, this work seeks to unlock the substantial potential and transformative impact of drones in EU agriculture, forestry, and rural areas. Initial findings underscore the critical need to understand the complexity of stakeholder interactions and the socio-technical factors at play. For instance, the analysis revealed that integrating real-time data sharing between drones and farm management systems significantly enhances decision-making processes, exemplifying a socio-technical factor that could accelerate drone innovation. This paves the way for targeted actions such as developing standardised protocols for data exchange and security, aiming to significantly advance drone innovation across a broader context.