3F-COOP - FOOTWEAR FAST FORWARD COOPERATION - Innovative agile training program and training opportunities for the digital and green tween transition in Bosnia

The footwear sector is one of the oldest and most developed industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, employs a significant number of people, particularly in rural areas, and it represents an important source of income for many families. The country has a long history of shoe making, dating back to the 18th century, traditionally centered in the Republika Srpska. The footwear exportations in 2022 were above 250 Million USD representing 12 million pairs of shoes, to its main trading partners: Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Hungary. Germany is increasing as the country destination, +51% in value comparing to 2021 while Italy is decreasing -17% comparing to 2021.The sector has faced challenges in recent years due to increased competition from imports and the economic crisis, despite of being able to adapt and become more competitive by investing in modern technology and equipment, as well as developing new products and improving the quality of existing products.However, VET in Bosnia and Herzegovina, divided into three levels - basic, intermediate and advanced - lacks quality structures, humans and pedagogical resources, private-public cooperation models to push the sector ahead, compatible with the willing and strenght of its entrepreneurs. The project aims at: i) To build capacity of VET providers to strengthen cooperation between private and public stakeholders in the field of vocational education and training for demand-oriented and opportunity-driven VET interventions; ii) Improve the quality and responsiveness of VET to economic and social developments to enhance the labour market relevance of skills provision; iii) to align VET provision to local, regional and national development strategies.The 36 months project will focus on the development of digital and green skills, from the design till commercialization, in order to promote the peer green and digital transition in Bosnia footwear sector, allied with their pairs in Europe.