Spain’s Spanish Footwear Components and Machinery Association has said stronger partnerships between universities and the footwear industry could help the sector attract young talent and close a growing skills gap in footwear manufacturing and components.
The association noted that collaboration between academic institutions and footwear companies would allow students to gain direct exposure to the industry through internships, research projects and specialized training programs focused on footwear design, materials and manufacturing technologies.
AEC said many companies in the footwear components supply chain are facing difficulties recruiting qualified professionals as the sector becomes increasingly technology-driven. By building closer ties with universities, the industry aims to encourage students from engineering, materials science and design programs to explore careers in footwear production and innovation.
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Industry representatives believe the cooperation could also strengthen research and development within the sector, particularly in areas such as sustainable materials, advanced production processes and digital manufacturing.
The Spanish footwear components industry, which supplies materials such as soles, fabrics, chemicals and machinery used in shoe production, is largely concentrated in the region around Elche in eastern Spain. The association said building stronger academic links will help ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals and support the long-term competitiveness of the European footwear supply chain.
