ECOSYSTEMS FOR MOUNTAIN INNOVATIONS An executive report on the research activities carried out by the iNEST – Spoke 1 project

This report summarises all the projects carried out as part of the iNEST-spoke1 ‘Mountain Innovation Ecosystem’ project.

This research has been carried out within the PNRR research activities of the consortium iNEST (Interconnected North-East Innovation Ecosystem) funded by the European Union Next GenerationEU (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) Missione 4 Componente 2, Investimento 1.5 D.D. 1058 23/06/2022, ECS_00000043 –Spoke1,  CUP I43C22000250006). This manuscript reflects only the Authors views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.

The aim of the Spoke 1 of the iNEST project is therefore to promote the development of new products, processes and lifestyles capable of consolidating and maintaining the local traditions that guarantee the survival and demographic viability of mountain contexts from all points of view (economic, environmental and social). This is achieved through actions that:

(a) enhance the strengths of mountain resources (extensive agro-forestry-livestock activities, flourishing tourism in unique environmental ecosystems, biodiversity, multiculturalism and local traditions);

(b) mitigate risks that are particularly relevant in these contexts (fragmentation and security of production systems, difficult logistics, hydrological risks, reduced quality of life).

To better achieve such important goals, the research lines has been divided into three main research topics: RT1 – Safety and quality of life in mountain environments: Mountain Social Life (RT1A) and Mountain Habitat (RT1B); RT2 – Resilience of Mountain production systems and supply chains; RT3 – Decentralisation of Mountain Structures and Infrastructures: Energy strategies (RT3A) and Logistic Strategies (RT3B).