Europe works on new learning methods in order to meet the sector’s needs
New learning methods to create scientifically-led more sustainable and comfortable footwear and the adaptation of the footwear industry to the current consumer demands are the main goals of the Erasmus+ SciLED project that was recently launched at its kick-off meeting in Iasi, Romania.
In the framework of this Erasmus+ project titled “Footwear in the 21st century: New skills for the design of drastically improved comfort, sustainable, fashion-oriented and scientifically-led footwear products (SciLED)”, INESCOP and the rest of European partners are working to improve consumer’s living standards by analysing the footwear product lifecycle and improving its comfort features, while contributing to the fight against climate change. The project is an initiative that involves 14 different partners from 6 EU member states for 3 years.
The growing consumer’s demand for a customised, differentiated and fashionable footwear product requires the footwear industry to adapt and become sufficiently prepared and qualified. This together with the lack of dedicated schools and training infrastructures across Europe have driven the SciLED partners to work on the creation of new and innovative scientifically-led learning methods that attract highly-skilled candidates for filling employee shortages in the EU footwear industry.
This higher education programme will emphasise on the design and production of improved footwear comforts in terms of comfort and sustainability, thus meeting current consumer demands.