Belgrade, Serbia, 29–30 October 2026 – The international conference TEXNOVA 2026 – International Conference on Textile Innovation brought together researchers, industry representatives, education providers and international experts to explore how innovation, emerging technologies and new skills are shaping the future of the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sector.
Organized by the Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin” of the University of Novi Sad, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), the conference was held within the framework of the AEQUALIS4TCLF project, as part of Work Package 8 (WP8), dedicated to promoting innovation in the TCLF sector. The two-day event took place in Belgrade and Zrenjanin, fostering knowledge exchange and cooperation between industry, research and education.
AEQUALIS4TCLF: From Skills Needs to New Training Models
A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of AEQUALIS4TCLF by Pedro Filipe Gonçalves from EURATEX, the project coordinator, entitled “From Skills Needs to New Training Models: AEQUALIS4TCLF in Practice.” The presentation showcased the project’s progress in developing innovative, flexible and industry-oriented training solutions, highlighting their role in bridging skills gaps and supporting the green and digital transitions of the European TCLF sector.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, Pedro Filipe Gonçalves stated:
“It was a pleasure to present AEQUALIS4TCLF at TEXNOVA 2026 and to share the project’s work with the textile community in Serbia and beyond. AEQUALIS4TCLF brings together 19 partners from industry and education to understand the skills the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sector needs, and to turn them into national skills strategies and a shared training offer of 40 micro-credentials. Conferences like TEXNOVA are exactly where these results can reach the companies, schools and young people who will use them.”
Connecting Innovation, Education and Industry
The conference also featured the METASKILLS4TCLF project, presented by Rita Souto from the Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre (CTCP) and Alessandro De Rosa from the PIN Foundation, University of Florence, highlighting innovative approaches to skills development through immersive learning technologies.
Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia presented initiatives supporting textile companies in adapting to new EU sustainability requirements, including practical tools, guidance and the recently launched Sustainable Textile Serbia digital platform.
The two-day program featured distinguished professors, researchers and industry experts from universities and research institutions in Serbia and abroad. Presentations covered a broad range of scientific and technological developments, including artificial intelligence in textile and fashion design, smart textiles, advanced materials, digital manufacturing, sustainable production, circular economy solutions and environmental challenges such as microplastic pollution and textile wastewater treatment. The program also included a practical workshop on digital garment development and an exhibition of student works.
By bringing together scientific research, technological innovation and skills development, TEXNOVA 2026 contributed to the objectives of AEQUALIS4TCLF, promoting knowledge exchange, international cooperation and innovative approaches to building a more sustainable and competitive European TCLF sector.
