WP6, led by TUIASI, focuses on strengthening skills development, collaborative learning and innovation capacity across the European fashion and Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries.
The work carried out so far responds to the challenges of the green, digital and social transition by creating learning environments where designers, artisans, SMEs, researchers, educators, students and innovation stakeholders can exchange knowledge, experiment with emerging technologies and develop future-oriented competencies.
Through its journey so far, WP6 has combined digital networking, experiential learning, micro-credential-based education and collaborative ecosystem building to support upskilling and reskilling across the sector.
A learning community for knowledge exchange
One of the central elements developed within WP6 is the CRAFT-IT4SD Learning Community, an online environment hosted through LinkedIn and supported by shared digital resources.
The community connects craftspeople, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and students, creating opportunities for peer learning, knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation.
The Learning Community is organised around four thematic areas connected to the project’s pilot activities:
- Innovative Business Models
- Wardrobe for Sustainability
- Empowering Consumers
- Crafts and Emerging Technologies
Through thematic articles, case studies, moderated discussions and the dissemination of pilot experiences, the community supports the exchange of good practices and continuous learning across fashion and related creative sectors.
Training workshops for skills development
A second area of progress has been the organisation of training workshops designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experimentation.
These workshops have been implemented in Spain, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Romania, engaging SMEs, students, researchers, academics, designers and creative professionals.
The activities explored topics such as sustainability, circular economy, digital transformation, consumer engagement and emerging technologies in fashion and crafts. Particular attention was given to additive manufacturing and 3D printing, NFC technologies, gamification approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, design, business and cultural studies.
These activities have demonstrated the value of experiential learning, collaborative problem-solving and the continuous adaptation of learning materials to reflect technological developments and evolving sustainability regulations.
Learning pathways and micro-credentials
WP6 has also advanced the development of learning ecosystems through four Learning Ecosystem Teams, which developed Action Plans to strengthen capacity building, curriculum design and the integration of micro-credentials.
The resulting learning pathways are modular, flexible and competency-based, addressing emerging skills needs in areas such as sustainability, legal and digital frameworks, sustainable business models, digital technologies for garment design, additive manufacturing, smart textiles and printed electronics.
The learning framework also promotes transversal competencies, including design thinking, digital innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and heritage and cultural awareness.
Supporting replication and scaling
To support transferability and long-term sustainability, WP6 has applied a common methodological framework based on standardised templates, action plans, monitoring tools and evaluation mechanisms.
Building on the Learning Community, training workshops and Learning Ecosystem Teams, WP6 has also developed a Playbook of Good Practices for Emerging Skills in Fashion and Related CCSI.
The Playbook documents methodologies, case studies, training approaches, lessons learned and recommendations to support sustainable learning ecosystems and the wider adoption of micro-credential-based education across Europe.
Towards a scalable learning ecosystem
The progress made so far within WP6 shows how community-based learning, digital collaboration and experiential training can support skills development in fashion and related creative sectors.
By connecting cultural heritage, traditional crafts, technological innovation and sustainability, WP6 contributes to a practical learning framework that supports future-oriented competencies across the European fashion and creative ecosystem.
