Smart Urban Agriculture – Exploring its Development in Sweden

Smart urban agriculture uses digital technology to grow food in closed and controlled environments in cities. In vertical farms, plant factories and aquaponic systems, crops are cultivated using LED lighting, climate controls and sensors that monitor growing conditions. Supporters argue that these systems can produce fresh food throughout the year, close to consumers and with fewer chemicals. Critics point to their high energy use, limited range of crops and questions about nutritional value.

This report examines how smart urban agriculture is developing in Sweden. Drawing on interviews, workshops, observations and document analysis, it maps entrepreneurial and experimental initiatives and considers how they relate to wider policies on food, urban development and digitalisation.