The Croatian Employers' Association known in Croatian as "Hrvatska udruga poslodavaca" (HUP), is the leading employers' organization in Croatia. Established in 1993, it serves as the collective voice of employers in various economic sectors and plays a significant role in shaping the business landscape in Croatia by acting as a bridge between employers and the government, and by representing Croatian businesses in various international forums. The association's membership consists of a wide range of companies and entrepreneurs, both domestic and international, spanning various sectors of the economy. It is a member of several international organizations, like Business Europe and the International Organization of Employers (IOE). HUP represents the interests of employers at the national level in dialogue with the government, trade unions, and international organizations.

HUP offers various advisory services to its members, including legal advice, labor market insights, and information on the latest changes in laws and regulations that might affect businesses. HUP conducts training sessions, seminars, and workshops for its members on various topics, from law, health and safety regulations, and human resource management and also some technical issues related to digital and green topics.

HUP has a strong track record of participating as a project leader or partner in a wide range of initiatives across various sectors and thematic areas. Its involvement spans numerous projects that address diverse industry challenges and societal needs.

Its latest projects include Recruit4Tomorrow, implemented in cooperation with employers’ associations from Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. Funded under the SOCPL-2022-SOC-DIALOGUE program, this project aims to conduct a comprehensive labor market study across the participating countries and identify sectors where labor shortages can be addressed through the employment of third-country nationals. The initiative supports evidence-based policymaking and fosters cross-border cooperation in addressing common workforce challenges within the EU.

Another key initiative is HUP Connect, funded through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). This project focuses on strengthening the internal capacities of HUP staff, modernizing existing services, and developing new digital and green service offerings. It also seeks to enhance social dialogue mechanisms and support HUP members in adapting to the evolving demands of modern business environments. The project emphasizes innovation and resilience, helping companies navigate regulatory changes and embrace sustainable and digital transformation.

Know more about us
Visit our website

The University of Zagreb (UNIZG) is Croatia’s largest and oldest educational institution, comprising 31 faculties, 3 art academies, and numerous university departments and centres. As a comprehensive public Central European university, it offers study programmes across all scientific fields—including arts, biomedicine, biotechnology, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences—at all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate. With over 70,000 students enrolled, the University also plays a central role in national research, contributing to more than 50% of Croatia’s annual scientific output.

The Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF) is a constituent faculty of the University of Zagreb. It is a renowned academic and research institution specializing in textile technology and fashion design. The Faculty provides high-level education and conducts cutting-edge scientific, artistic, and professional research primarily in the domain of engineering sciences, with a strong focus on textile technology.

The Faculty of Textile Technology engages in:

• Academic education and research tailored to meet social and economic development needs
• High-level training for SMEs and the broader public
• Education that aligns with labour market priorities, including both scientific and professional demands

The Faculty is recognised as a stakeholder of equal rights within both the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Research Area (ERA). It aims to maintain its leadership in the region and expand its international reach, particularly in areas of innovation, research, and vocational training.

Target Groups

• The Faculty works with a diverse range of learners, including:
• Tertiary-level students (aged 18+) enrolled in programmes related to Textile Technology and Fashion Design
• Professionals in the labour market (typically aged 18 to 66), particularly those from EQF level 4 and above, participating in continuous education or specialised training programmes

With a strong commitment to internationalisation and the development of the fashion and textile cluster, the Faculty of Textile Technology plays a vital role in bridging academic excellence, vocational training, and industry needs, making it a key partner in European cooperation projects.

Know more about us
Visit our website

The Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre (CTCP) is a private, non-profit research and training institute, founded in 1986. It currently brings together 485 private companies as members, employs 73 qualified professionals—including technicians, engineers, senior specialists, and trainers—and collaborates regularly with around 30 external consultants and trainers.

Headquartered in São João da Madeira, with a branch in Felgueiras, CTCP is strategically located in Portugal’s two main footwear industrial regions. Its mission is to support the entire Portuguese footwear cluster, including companies from the footwear, leather goods, and components sectors.

Key Areas of Activity

CTCP operates in a wide range of strategic areas, including:

• Quality control and testing laboratories
• Business consultancy and strategic support
• Vocational and non-vocational training (face-to-face, work-based learning, training-action, e-learning, and hybrid models)
• Marketing and promotion
• Research & Development (R&D)
• Occupational health and safety
• Environmental management and sustainability
• Business intelligence, studies and benchmarking
• Product design and prototyping – including a dedicated Shoe FAB-LAB and Digital Manufacturing Centre

Technical Expertise and Innovation

CTCP holds recognized expertise in:

• Curriculum design and training content development
• Design, prototyping, and manufacturing in its ShoeFabLab
• Additive manufacturing, automation, and robotization
• Environmental legislation compliance, CSR implementation, and sustainability consulting
• Measurement and monitoring of biodegradability and environmental impact

Training Capacity and Target Groups

CTCP provides around 5,000 hours of training annually, benefiting over 1,500 individuals. Training is tailored to various audiences, using flexible learning methodologies adapted to learner needs and availability.

Main target groups include:

• Workers and professionals (EQF level 2 to 6+) aged 18 to 66
• Vocational education students (15–23 years old) seeking careers in the footwear industry
• Students from regular schools, introduced to the sector through learning activities and talent engagement
• Adults interested in learning about the footwear sector
• Trainers and educators seeking expertise in footwear technologies

CTCP maintains strong relationships with local and regional communities and has extensive experience in coordinating and participating in European projects, offering piloting and testing opportunities across the footwear value chain.

Know more about us
Visit our website