Call for speakers

This session will explore strategies for enhancing the value of mountain agricultural products. It will address key issues such as the implementation of direct sales, the optimisation of distribution channels, the integration of organic certifications and the diversification of agricultural products (medicinal plants, vineyards, etc.). In addition, the challenges and opportunities inherent in mountain farming will be discussed, particularly in the context of climate change.

This session will look at transformative strategies to shape territorial economic landscapes. It will address issues that are essential to the sustainable development of mountain regions, such as the processing of raw materials in the mountains or efforts to attract other industries (for example in the biomedical or sports sectors), that can support the currently disappearing secondary sector and maintain added value locally. What are the initiatives that contribute to the wider objective of maintaining businesses and added value in the mountains? This session will provide a framework for discussion and for a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in territorial transformation, thereby influencing the socio-economic fabric of mountain regions.

This session will explore the transformative potential of digital technology and its impact on business models, employment and skills development. Its objective will be to discover innovative approaches to harnessing digital technologies for economic growth, and to explore emerging models that are redefining traditional work structures and training methodologies. The workshop will provide a framework for understanding the opportunities offered by digital technologies for economic diversification, and could also look at how AI can contribute to economic development in the mountains.

This session will look at crucial aspects of economic development and how public administrations can support SMEs, micro-enterprises and the self-employed. The session will explore ways to promote innovative legal structures, such as cooperatives and social enterprises. It will also aim to share approaches to stimulate innovation and support start-ups, particularly in promising sectors such as the silver economy, and to share strategies to promote innovative working environments (coworking spaces, clusters, networks of workspaces, etc.).

This session will highlight the key role of the tertiary sector in the mountains, looking at its future and the implications for the local economy. It will look at the prospects for mountain tourism, examining key issues such as support for traditional approaches to diversification or the search for new, innovative and disruptive ways of developing a different kind of mountain tourism. The workshop will specifically address the transition of mountain ski resorts and the strategic positioning around health and sport, which are receiving increasing attention. This session will provide an opportunity to delve into the many aspects shaping the future of mountain tourism, including strategic alignment with nature and the potential of new tourism businesses. For example, the workshop will discuss the concept of ‘nature as business’ (which encompasses rewilding, private natural areas and the development of new nature-based tourism products such as hunting or spiritual retreats) and whether or not these models should be encouraged.

This session will be devoted to the recognition, valorisation and possible compensation of the services provided by agro-pastoral activities in mountain areas. It will aim to explore strategies that reconcile the preservation of ecosystems with the economic well-being of those who contribute to their sustainable management. The workshop will seek to illustrate the concept through innovative examples that succeed in quantifying and remunerating the various ecosystem services.

Life in the mountains has many advantages that are often overlooked or underestimated. Beyond the challenges associated with basic services such as health and education, life in the mountains offers a natural environment, a rich and diverse culture, and opportunities for personal and professional development. This workshop will aim to open a debate on how to change the narrative on quality of life in the mountains and how to recognise and value the role that mountain communities play in social and environmental well-being.  It will look at the importance of social infrastructures (e.g. third places and other community oriented facilities) and how diversified and sustainable economic activity can help to change the narrative on mountain areas.