Highland Areas in the Digital Era: From Abyss to Quatum: European Mountain Series Analysis (10)

This research analyzes the dynamics of entrepreneurial activity in European mountain regions during the post-pandemic period of 2021–2022, focusing on the evolution of 28 statistical indicators related to firm creation, survival, employment, and structural volatility. Based on Eurostat data and analysis performed using SPSS, the study highlights significant trends in entrepreneurial behavior, firm resilience, and labor market transformations. The results indicate a fragile balance between business births and closures, a decline in survival rates, and an increase in structural inequalities. Employment growth has slowed considerably, and many newly established firms operate on a small scale or informally. The study emphasizes the importance of digitalization, infrastructure, and governance in supporting sustainable economic recovery in mountain areas.Differentiated public policies, expanded data collection, and longitudinal analysis are necessary for a deeper understanding of these complex economic ecosystems and for strengthening their resilience.