The IDEA – Innovative Design for Environmental Awareness project connects educational institutions and professional organisations from the Czech Republic and Portugal with the aim of modernising footwear education and preparing a new generation of specialists for the challenges of sustainability, eco-design and digital technologies.
The project partners are the Czech Footwear and Leather Association (COKA), newly in the role of coordinator, the Secondary School of Art and Design Uherské Hradiště (SUPŠ UH), and the Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre (CTCP). Together, they link industrial practice, research and education to create a comprehensive system of innovative teaching materials and teaching methods that reflect current trends and European sustainability requirements.
The main outputs of the project include:
- the development and pilot testing of study materials reflecting the principles of eco-design and the circular economy,
- updates to the curriculum in the field of Footwear and Fashion Accessories Design and Construction in the Czech Republic, and in the field of Shoe Design in Portugal,
- practical internships and excursions for students in footwear companies, enabling them to connect theory with practice,
- training for teachers and professionals who will become familiar with the latest trends in sustainable materials, digitalisation and modern production technologies,
- dissemination of results through conferences, trade fairs, professional seminars and European educational platforms.
The IDEA project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme (KA210-VET) and runs from 10/2025 to 9/2027. Its aim is not only to strengthen the professional competences of students and educators, but also to contribute to the wider adoption of sustainable approaches in the European footwear industry.
