Footwear technology centres from across Europe are joining efforts to better meet future challenges in key footwear technology areas.

Under the auspice of the European Footwear Confederation (CEC), nine European footwear technology centres have agreed to join forces to push forward the footwear research agenda in Europe; CTC (France), CTCP (Portugal), CTCR (Spain), the Footwear Research Centre of Tomas Bata University (Czech Republic), INESCOP (Spain), Politecnico Calzaturiero (Italy), PFI Pirmasens (Germany), Lukasiewicz-IPS Institute of Leather Industry (Poland) and SATRA (UK).

Initiated during the CEC’s General Assembly in Brussels on November 25, the platform’s ambition is to further footwear research and knowledge creation collectively in Europe to the benefit of footwear companies. According to the CEC, the next stages of the process will be to set a clearly delineated research agenda and to organise thematic working groups on strategic topics such as advanced materials, innovative design solutions, better fit and comfort, smart technologies and a more sustainable and circular product life cycle.“The ultimate objective of this platform is to help create a new generation of high-value, distinctly European footwear products for every consumer to enjoy”, said the CEC. The initiative is open to other industry-related technology centres and interested organisations are welcome to apply by contacting CEC.

From ILM