ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss pro-social digital surveillance that aims to protect and increase the resilience of tree populations to counter grand challenges. After a brief outline of grand challenges, we introduce the concepts of surveillance and open data. By discussing different surveillance forms, such as top-down and bottom-up surveillance, we identify networked surveillance as a beneficial approach to networked governance for addressing grand challenges. At the core of the chapter is a single-case study of an extreme case: the grand challenge of an invasive alien species in the form of the Asian long-horned beetle. The Asian long-horned beetle is known as one of the world’s worst invasive alien species, spreading via international trade flows. In North America and Europe, the beetle is threatening both urban and forest trees and has the potential to dramatically alter forest ecosystems. Building on the case, we discuss how corporations, governmental institutions, and environmental organisations can join forces to tackle grand challenges. Thus, this chapter reflects on the transformative potential of digitalisation and the digital data exchange between the previously mentioned actors. As a final outlook, we depict a networked surveillance approach as a communication infrastructure that links business firms with governmental bodies and environmental organisations to address grand challenges and protect forest ecosystems.
