Why we are here
An ageing, sparsely populated region with few opportunities for young people — and, for exactly that reason, the right place to prove that Portugal's interior can be a home for talent and innovation.
The region in numbers
One of the least densely populated and oldest regions in the country.
inhabitants in the region (2021 Census)
inhabitants per km²
ageing index — the national average is 182.4%
youth unemployment
Challenges and responses
The challenge
The region loses people every year and struggles to attract new residents and skilled workers, and to keep its young people.
Our response
The Global Village offers coworking, training and culture to attract young people, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, artists and families, and reverse the decline.
The challenge
Grade repetition and drop-out rates remain high, holding back economic and social development in rural areas.
Our response
Non-formal education and vocational training, with Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, to support 600 young people in Global Village projects by 2035.
The challenge
An economy dominated by traditional sectors, with little diversification or innovation.
Our response
Incubate 10 startups and support 20 innovative projects in 10 years, creating 4–5 direct and 30–50 indirect jobs (SDG 8).
The challenge
Limited capacity to invest in cultural programmes, despite a rich heritage and growing tourism.
Our response
Space for events, exhibitions, artist residencies and regional products, strengthening Pinhel as a cultural destination and reviving its historic centre.
Our home
Pinhel mirrors the region's challenges: low density, an ageing population and a very local economy. But it is also home to leading companies and to cultural, historical and natural potential still waiting to be tapped.
Companies like Comunilog (training), Five Bioenergy (biogas), SPIP/Fly (precision engineering for aviation) and EuroAmêndoa (nuts) show it is possible to grow from here. Rural tourism can bring in digital projects, young ideas and communities of digital nomads.
Explore in 3D
Explore in 3D the building that will host training, coworking, incubation, gaming and culture in the heart of Pinhel.
Sources: INE — Regional, Education and Business Statistics (2023); 2021 Census; CCDR-C (2023); Office for Strategy and Studies (GEE); Turismo de Portugal. Analysis by the Hawk Stars team.
