Opportunities and Challenges of Future Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations in Sweden: A Human Factors Perspective

Sammanfattning

This study investigates societal perspectives on the opportunitiesand challenges of integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) andAdvanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies into Swedish airspace.Using a human factors approach, the research combines large-scalesurvey data (n=939) with qualitative insights from focus groupsinvolving members of the public, government agencies, and privatebusinesses. The findings reveal a general openness toward UAV usein emergency services, infrastructure monitoring, and environmen-tal applications, while commercial and private applications evokestronger scepticism, particularly around issues of privacy, safety,and noise. Trust in UAVs is found to be highly context- and operator-dependent, with greater acceptance for government-operated UAVscompared to those managed by corporations. Focus group discus-sions underscore the ethical, regulatory, and social complexitiesassociated with future UAV integration. Participants emphasizedthe need for transparency, stricter regulations, and inclusive poli-cymaking to address public concerns. Business stakeholders high-lighted the importance of innovation, domestic production, andenvironmental benefits, while authorities pointed to regulatorygaps and coordination challenges. The study fills a knowledge gapin Scandinavian UAV research and provides actionable insights forpolicymakers, designers, and airspace managers. Ultimately, align-ing UAV development with public values and expectations throughparticipatory design and governance will be crucial for fostering asocially sustainable and secure airspace.