CTCP coordinates project to support the digitalisation of the Albanian footwear industry
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 from the 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 a website with online material divided into thematic sections, videos and reports with guidelines, informative material and best design/manufacturing practices. A series of transnational workshops and seminars will also take place until 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.
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 histories of craftsmanship and innovation, can play then 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.
*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.
Source and Image Credits: CTCP