Risk Analysis for Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Information and Communication Technologies in the Forestry Sector

Abstract

The Aachen method for the identification, classification, and risk analysis of innovation-based problems (AMICAI) was employed with relevant stakeholders in order to identify and analyze ethical, legal and social aspects (ELSA) related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the German forestry sector. Based on the problem of different demands due to regional differences and the variety of stakeholders, a need for standards and regularities was reported and a lack of confidence in the functionality of ICT was identified. Hereby, the greatest concern was the insufficient mobile net coverage in the forest. However, problems regarding data protection were most concerning for the participants. Especially an uncertainty regarding data collection and processing was identified. The AMICAI method encouraged stakeholders to change their perspective, which enabled them to understand that their individual problems are interdependent. Thus, it was found that the method can make a substantial contribution towards responsible research and innovation in the field of ICT development.