A chance to enhance the mountain areas of Emilia-Romagna, discovering good practice and experimenting new solutions. But also an opportunity for engage with experts and innovators, actively contributing with ideas and projects to the rediscovery of the Apennines.

These are the objectives of the initiative “Road to Appennino Hack”, a real one itinerant journey that, from February 25 to April 9, 2025, will be articulated in six meetings involving experts, innovators, students, researchers and enthusiasts. A interactive path to collect concrete ideas on the future of mountain areas. The event is organized by Art-Er, the Regional Agency for Attractiveness, Research and the Territory.

A project for the rebirth of mountain areas

“A project that can contribute to the development of initiatives and solutions to give a future to our mountain areas”, explains David Baruffi, regional councillor for mountains and internal areas. "Not only does it offer an opportunity for experts and young people to discuss, but it also represents a concrete contribution to fuel projects for the economic and social rebirth of our villages and the communities that live there. A step in the commitment to valorize our territorial heritage and build a sustainable future for future generations".

In recent years it has become increasingly urgent rethink these territories as laboratories of innovation and engines of development. Tools such as the “smart rural hub” and community cooperatives can relaunch the local economy and sustainable tourism, promoting new connections with cities, counteracting depopulation e enhancing the historical and cultural heritage of the Apennines.

Appointments

The program includes six meetings in the following locations:

• 25 February – Municipal Theatre “Matilde di Canossa”, Ciano d'Enza-Canossa (RE)
• 4 March – Council Chamber of the Municipality of Vergato (BO)
• 12 March – Poor Devil’s Inn, Poggio Torriana (RN)
• March 26th and April 2nd – Catholic University of Piacenza
• 9th April – Piacenza Open Laboratory, final day with the “Appennino Hack Regional Laboratory Challenge”

An initiative that sets itself as a point of reference for stimulate new ideas, promoting a innovative and sustainable approach for the future of the mountain areas of Emilia-Romagna.