Taking full advantage of European mountains’ innovation potential
Euromontana's vision and position on innovation in, for and with mountain areas
The VII European Mountain Convention was organised on 15, 16 & 17 September 2010 in Lillehammer, Norway with a focus on the topic “European Mountain Regions – A spirit of Innovation”.
Innovation is the art of turning an idea into a concrete realisation that answers the needs of population and businesses. Innovation can be scientific or technological but also incremental, organisational or social. It must promote a sustainable development, whether economical, social or environmental. Innovation is crucial to overcome some challenges in the mountains and mountain areas are as well key assets for Europe’s research and innovation.
The VI European Mountain Convention concluded with the adoption of the Lillehammer Declaration “Taking full advantage of European mountains’ innovation potential”, which sets out Euromontana’s approach and position on innovation.
The Declaration includes:
- A statement on the importance of innovation for mountain areas and on the innovative capacity of mountain communities.
- Recommendations for European, national, regional and local authorities to boost innovation in mountain areas, including by shaping innovation programmes and policies that consider the specificities of mountain areas and that seek simplification. These recommendations also call for the creation of training and innovation centers in mountain areas and for the inclusion of mountain stakeholders in innovative actions.
- Euromontana’s future actions to promote innovation as a driver of sustainable development in mountain areas.