The ShoePro project, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, has successfully completed a series of pilot workshops across Croatia, marking an important step toward modernizing training in the footwear sector. Held between late January and early February 2026, the workshops aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial practice.
Led by the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP) in partnership with the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF) and the Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre (CTCP), the initiative introduced new approaches to digital skills, sustainability, and production efficiency.
The pilot series began on January 27 at the TZG 2026 Conference, where ShoePro was presented as a key link between education and industry. Discussions highlighted the sector’s green transition, the introduction of digital product passports, and the need for flexible, industry?driven learning pathways.
Workshops were then hosted by three major Croatian footwear companies:
- Ivancica (January 29): Focused on digital design, 3D modelling, and eco?design, with discussions on integrating the ShoePro curriculum into the Croatian Qualifications Framework.
- Kostelar (February 3): Explored blended learning and production process management, including hands?on use of tools such as the “5 Whys” method and the “Quality Alarm” system.
- Borovo (February 6): Dedicated to LEAN manufacturing, showcasing techniques like poka?yoke and Pareto analysis to support continuous improvement.
A central component of the project is the Knowledge Hub, a digital platform that gathers training materials and promotes ongoing collaboration between Croatian companies and Portuguese experts. By adopting proven practices from Portugal’s footwear industry, ShoePro aims to boost the international competitiveness of Croatian manufacturers.
Project leaders emphasized that the workshops demonstrate the value of sustained cooperation between industry and education, noting that the new curriculum directly addresses real challenges such as material shortages, productivity, and the green transition.
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Date: February 2026