Trentino

ABOUT PILOT AREA

Trentino is located in the Autonomous Province of Trento, is a predominantly mountainous territory characterised by Alpine geography, extensive forests, rich biodiversity, and cold, snowy winters with warm valley summers . Home to approximately 543,000 inhabitants, the region shows a modest population growth driven by positive in-migration, yet it faces structural demographic challenges such as ageing and the depopulation of rural and high-altitude areas. Trentino hosts a dynamic and diversified economy with strong sectors in agriculture – especially apples and viticulture – tourism, manufacturing and services, reflected in a GDP per capita well above the national average.

Despite high living standards, rural communities experience significant challenges, including limited access to essential services, mobility constraints shaped by the mountainous morphology, gaps in digital connectivity, and fewer employment opportunities, particularly for young people. These factors contribute to social vulnerability and highlight the need for targeted policies to sustain local development, promote inclusion, and ensure the long-term vitality of Trentino’s rural areas.

Trento boasts a significant cooperative movement, aligning social policies with labor policies and involving various stakeholders. Laws promote solidarity economy and corporate social responsibility. Initiatives like the COPE project focus on social and labor inclusion for young NEETs. Service cooperatives enhance inclusivity in the tourism sector, while platforms like InCooperazione support vulnerable groups’ social and labor inclusion. Priorities include enhancing social and labor inclusion, fostering cooperative models, and supporting innovative digital tools for social welfare.

ABOUT VULNERABLE GROUPS OF THE PILOT AREA

Rural and mountain areas of Trentino face demographic decline, ageing, isolation and service shortages, making both individuals and entire communities vulnerable. NEETs struggle with limited opportunities for training, socialisation and employment, with the pandemic worsening disengagement among young people. Women experience lower employment and higher inactivity despite strong educational levels, and may require targeted support due to care burdens or exposure to violence. People with disabilities face accessibility barriers, few specialised services and difficult school-to-work transitions, particularly in remote municipalities. Immigrants risk social isolation in small villages and are more exposed to precarious work conditions in rural sectors. Elderly people encounter limited mobility, reduced access to healthcare and a high risk of loneliness in sparsely populated areas.