Entrepreneurship and innovation of women: towards greater sustainability in rural mountain areas

New innovative activities have generated interactions between the rural areas of the Pyrenees and Barcelona with an advantage for tourism activities. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between value-added activities and the entrepreneurship of women in economic, social or political projects in rural and mountain areas such as the Pyrenees in Catalonia. The participation of women in elected or managerial positions of the local administration favors entrepreneurship. The methodology used includes a literature review, a quantitative analysis of the responsibilities of women in local politics and 30 semi-structured interviews with women and men involved in local development. The creation or transformation of value-added activities has generated micro-enterprises and self-employment. The conclusions show the importance of social relations, both transversal and vertical. In territories with a dispersed population, small initiatives of entrepreneurs have a relative but significant importance that must be supported by the administration.