The first Plenary Meeting of the CRAFT-IT4SD project took place on October 17 and 18, 2024, in Igualada, Spain, hosted by MODACC (The Catalan Fashion Cluster). The event brought together key project partners from across Europe to discuss progress, share insights, and plan the next steps for the project’s mission to integrate sustainability and digital transformation into traditional craft industries.
The CRAFT-IT4SD project, funded by the European Commission, is devoted to strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors, especially fashion, while leveraging innovative technologies to promote circular economies and heritage conservation.
Montse Figueras, President of MODACC, welcomed participants and emphasized the critical role that both technology and sustainability will play in the future of European craftsmanship. The two-day event was packed with interactive workshops, presentations, and field visits to local textile, leather, and craft companies in Igualada, such as Aldo Martins, Leather Cluster, Nubuckcuir, and Cubus Games.
Key Highlights of the Meeting:
- Sustainability and Business Models Workshop: the workshop examined how traditional craft businesses can adopt sustainable practices, explore life-cycle analysis (LCA), and implement viable business models for the future.
- NFC tag demonstration: a hands-on demonstration of NFC tags was conducted, showcasing how digital technology can enhance product tracking and customer engagement.
- Pilot workshop: participants collaborated on pilot projects, discussing how to create «learning communities» and support cross-pilot activities.
- Future scenarios and craft innovation: a forward-thinking workshop explored creative future scenarios using «The Thing from the Future» game to imagine how technology can shape the future of craftsmanship.
- Impact pathways and KPIs: discussions centered around project impact pathways, sustainability goals, and KPIs to measure success.
The meeting also included a brainstorming session on the upcoming Oulu 2026 Exhibition, a high-profile event that will showcase the project’s results and innovations.
Moving Forward
The Plenary Meeting marked an important milestone for the CRAFT-IT4SD project, which is expected to continue its groundbreaking work in transforming the European craft industry through sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. The next steps involve further development of pilot projects, community engagement, and preparations for upcoming exhibitions and events.
MODACC, as the host, ensured a smooth and dynamic environment for knowledge sharing and future planning, underscoring the importance of fostering collaboration between technology experts, sustainability advocates, and craft professionals.
For more information about the CRAFT-IT4SD project and upcoming events, please visit linktr.ee/craft_it4sd