Enablers and Barriers to EO Satellite Data Uptake in European Local Authorities

Abstract

Earth Observation (EO) satellite data are increasingly recognized as strategic tools for environmental monitoring and EU policy implementation, particularly at local levels, where they can enhance planning and service delivery. However, adoption by local and regional authorities (LRAs) remains limited, and their perspectives are underexplored in the academic literature. Widespread adoption of EO data necessitates engagement at the urban scale for mainstreaming space-based innovation in public policy. This article presents exploratory research investigating the perceived affordances and constraints that shape the uptake of EO satellite data by LRAs, as framed by the Technology Affordance and Constraints Theory (TACT). A targeted survey, grounded in TACT and in the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, was administered to a pre-selected sample of LRAs involved in EU-funded projects on climate, resilience or data governance. This qualitative exploratory approach, utilizing results from 17 EU countries, highlights the transformative potential of EO for decision-making, while identifying persistent technological, organizational and regulatory constraints. The findings reveal recurring patterns of adoption, concluding with a first overview of policy-oriented recommendations to enhance EO adoption within local authorities.