Understanding Innovation in European Mountain Product Value Chains: Empirical Typology, Patterns of Co-occurrence, and Policy Implications

Mountains, encompassing 36% of Europe's territory and home to one sixth of its population, are rich in natural, cultural, human, and economic resources. Despite these assets, mountain communities face challenges such as depopulation, limited infrastructure, urbanization pressures, tourism impacts, and climate change. Yet, they also host resilient economic activities that enhance the value of local resources through specialized value chains. This study examined innovation within a dataset of over 455 European mountain product value chains (MPVCs), identifying innovative characteristics in 275 MPVCs. We empirically identified 12 innovation attributes and their co-occurrence patterns. Further analysis explored how these attributes relate to regional innovation measurements. Equipping stakeholders and policymakers with insights into how MPVC innovations emerge across mountain regions, cluster, and interact with territorial factors, this research serves to inform supportive and context-sensitive policy and strategic planning.