Innovation
FAIST Voices: meet Belcinto
As part of the FAIST project, the Portuguese leather goods manufacturer Belcinto was able to innovate existing technology, optimising several production processes and facilitating work that would otherwise be time-consuming
Artificial Intelligence in the Footwear Sector: How are companies deploying AI?
JUST RELEASED! Read the latest World Footwear Innovation Paper on artificial intelligence in the footwear sector and learn more about where and how companies are implementing it, including three real case studies from Portugal's FAIST project
FAIST Voices: meet Vapesol
Part of the FAIST consortium, Vapesol is focusing on product development to bring more sustainability and circularity to the sole manufacturing process
Footwear industry looks to technology and innovation to shape its future
Innovation and technology were at the centre of a discussion on the future of the footwear industry. The speakers of an international conference held under the FAIST Agenda addressed issues such as production shifts, adoption barriers, and workforce transformation
FAIST project drives modernisation in the Portuguese footwear industry
The FAIST project aims to transform the Portuguese footwear industry by advancing automation, digital manufacturing, and sustainability. It plans to deliver 80 innovations under its 50 million euros investment
Future of the footwear industry discussed at Porto conference
An international conference dedicated to the future of the Portuguese and European footwear industries was held as part of the FAIST project on the 18th and 19th of November
Consumer-to-Consumer and a big shift in work culture: how Nicoline Van Enter (Footwearology) sees AI
During the 22nd UITIC Congress in Shanghai in September, we had the opportunity to speak with Nicoline Van Enter, CEO and founder of Footwearology, who shared some valuable insights about AI with us. Watch the video with the converstation now
Christian Decker (DESMA): New technologies require a mindset shift
During the 22nd UITIC Congress in Shanghai back in September, we had the opportunity to talk with Christian Decker, CEO of DESMA, who shared with us some great insights about technology and innovation. Watch it now
Agostino Apolito (Assomac): Robotics and AI are reshaping the footwear and tanning industries
During the last edition of Simac Tanning Tech in September 2025, we spoke with Mr. Agostino Apolito, the Managing Director of the National Association of the Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods, and Tanning Technologies. Watch the interview here
BioShoes4All achieves an 85% completion rate
The BioShoes4All project, which involves over 70 entities in the Portuguese footwear sector and focuses on developing sustainable solutions, has achieved an 85% completion rate
Sergio Dulio (UITIC): AI is an important tool that companies cannot be unware of
The World Footwear attended the 22nd UITIC Congress in Shanghai back in September. We had the opportunity to talk with Sergio Dulio, president of the UITIC, about some of the main conclusions of the congress. Watch the interview below to learn about it
Innovation to take the spotlight at Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags
As the footwear and accessories industry enters a new phase, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will serve as the global meeting point where technological innovation transforms into commercial opportunity
Fashion for Good launches new project to advance footwear circularity
The Amsterdam-based innovation platform has launched “The Next Stride: Bio-Based Materials for Footwear Soles”, a collaborative project aimed at replacing fossil-derived materials in shoe soles
CLIA President points to AI and sustainability as footwear industry drivers
In his speech at the last UITIC Congress, CLIA President Li Yuzhong emphasised the importance of AI and sustainability in reshaping the global footwear industry, presenting China as a key partner
UITIC 2025 Congress in Shanghai showcased the latest advances in the footwear industry
The last edition of the UITIC Congress took place in Shanghai from the 31st of August to the 3rd of September, combining factory visits with presentations on the latest advances in the footwear industry. President Sergio Dulio closed the event, highlighting the main conclusions of another successful UITIC Congress-
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Footwear Consumer 2030
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