Mountain regions face urgent socio-ecological challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to economic marginalisation and overtourism. Simultaneously, digitalisation and sustainability transitions are unfolding globally, yet these trends often remain disconnected in uplands policymaking and practice.
This presentation introduces the concept of the “uplands twin transition”, which integrates digital transformation with sustainability initiatives towards the creation of smart, sustainable mountain regions. Drawing on an emerging research agenda, we examine the opportunities and risks of this twin transition, that would involve place-based digital innovations for climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem conservation.
Achieving a just transition requires addressing power imbalances, stakeholder exclusion, and knowledge fragmentation. Through participatory governance and co-produced solutions, digital tools can facilitate inclusive decision-making, amplify local knowledge, and foster cross-sectoral collaborations between scientists, policymakers, and mountain communities. Yet, questions remain: How can digital technologies enhance, rather than disrupt, socio-ecological resilience? What governance models ensure that twin transitions benefit upland residents rather than external stakeholders?
By presenting key research priorities, this talk will explore pathways towards transformative change in mountain regions.