Industry as a Pillar of the Mountain Economy. European Mountain Series Forecasting (4)

This study analyzes the evolution of mountain entrepreneurship in Europe, focusing on industrial sectors, during the period 2021-2035. Using Eurostat data from 15 European countries, forecasting models (ARIMA and Holt) were applied to assess trends and project future developments. The results indicate an initial moderate growth (2.5% per year), supported by sustainable tourism policies and investments in mountain infrastructure, followed by an acceleration of growth (4% per year) between 2026 and 2030, driven by digitalization, activity diversification, and European funds. By 2035, the sector will reach a stable maturity (3% per year), based on automation, adaptation to climate change, and cross-border collaborations. Regional disparities remain, with Western Europe surpassing Eastern Europe due to better access to funds and reduced administrative barriers. The study emphasizes the importance of sustainability and digital transformation for the sustainable development of mountain entrepreneurship in industrial sectors.