Shaping Autonomy in Forestry : The Influence of Contextual Constraints in Data-Poor Environments

This research explores how autonomy is conceptualized and negotiated in the context of forestry operations, where terrain, unpredictable conditions, and limited data availability present challenges. Focusing on the Swedish Forestry sector, the study addresses the research question: How is autonomy envisioned and interpreted within forestry under contextual constraints in data-poor, unstructured environments? The research is based on a qualitative case study, drawing on semi-structured interviews with researchers and developers in forestry automation. Thematic Analysis was conducted in combination with the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework to interpret the material. The findings show that autonomy is shaped by technological limitations, shifting organizational practices, and complex environmental factors. The study concludes that autonomy is not a fixed capability, but a relational process requiring human oversight and contextual adaptation. The thesis contributes to Information Systems (IS) research by highlighting the embedded and evolving nature of autonomy in complex settings.