CTCP coordinates project to support the digitalisation of the Albanian footwear industry
The Portuguese Technological Footwear Centre (CTCP) coordinates The Digi4Wearables capacity-building project, which focuses on supporting the digitalisation of the footwear industry in Albania
CTCP is coordinating the Digi4Wearables (Digital Tools for Wearable Products for the Shoe Industry) capacity-building project, which brings together 8 partners* from 4 countries (Portugal, Romania, Albania, and Greece). The project aims to develop an innovative training methodology using emerging and inclusive practices and tools to improve the knowledge of workers in Albanian footwear companies on green and digital manufacturing.
Historically, Albania’s footwear industry has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy, primarily focused on production for export markets, especially to Italy and other EU countries. However, as demand shifts toward more sustainable and technologically advanced products, in line with the Green Deal and the Agenda for a Digital Era, there’s a growing need for Albania to adapt by embracing green and digital capabilities. Therefore, there's also a need to upskill the workforce from companies (Full Package business model).
“The Digi4Wearables project is vital for advancing the footwear sector in Albania, with a primary focus on developing and implementing innovative training technologies to upskill the workforce”, said Tatjana Spahiu, lecturer at Polytechnic University of Tirana, one of the partners of the project.
She continued: “It holds significant importance for the Textile and Fashion Department at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, benefiting not only footwear operators but also students and educators across various departments and vocational training centres. By creating new training opportunities for employees and individuals seeking skills in the footwear industry, the project aims to boost employability and support sustainable growth in the sector”, she added.
Digi4Wearables
In particular, the Digi4Wearables aims to improve staff working skills in the use of advanced technologies in footwear manufacturing; to integrate digital tools for footwear design to help companies improve product quality, increase productivity and at the same time reduce time to market; and to support companies to be competitive in the globalised business by offering products for every consumer.It should be added that the initiative will target a wide range of stakeholders inside companies (designers, product developers, managers, technicians), vocational training actors (trainers/teachers, trainees/students) and stakeholders in general (technology providers, associations, other stakeholders).
As part of the project implementation, an educational package will be produced in English and Albanian, including online course material divided into thematic sections and videos and reports with guidelines, informative material and best design/manufacturing practices. This package is partially available at the following website.
As part of the project implementation, an educational package will be produced in English and Albanian, including online course material divided into thematic sections and videos and reports with guidelines, informative material and best design/manufacturing practices. This package is partially available at the following website.
In addition, a series of transnational workshops and seminars will also take place. These include actions of virtual training and physical training workshops/seminars that will take place in Portugal, Albania and Romania bringing all stakeholders together, communities of practice for trainers and trainees, a seminar in Albania for designers in Spring 2025 and a final conference also in Albania in Autumn 2025.
Capacity Building Projects
In the view of CTCP, capacity-building projects are essential for fostering sustainable development and strengthening the abilities of individuals, communities, and organizations to meet local, national, and international challenges, enabling them to build sustainable partnerships in a win-win framework.Particularly in emerging economies and evolving industries, these projects are an opportunity to develop critical competencies for sustainable development and resilience, laying the groundwork for economic, social, and environmental progress. By equipping individuals and organizations with the skills, resources, and partnerships they need, these projects drive comprehensive development that benefits both local communities and broader regional networks.
In this context, the EU’s more mature footwear sectors, which have long experience in craftsmanship and innovation, can play a key role in offering technical training, certification programs, and workshops for Albanian footwear manufacturers, helping them adopt new green technologies and production methods that can benefit everyone.
About
Funded by the European Union, Digi4Wearables — Digital Tools for Wearable Products for the Shoe Industry (Project number / Grant Agreement 101092436 - DLV-101092436), this capacity building project will run for 36 months and end on the 31st of December 2025.
Partners include CTCP, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, University of Western Macedonia, Creative Thinking Development, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania Proexport Association, ATOM Computers and FITAL SHPK. For more information, visit the following website.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Source and Image Credits: CTCP