UITIC 2025: competitiveness and sustainable development in the era of artificial intelligence

Key topics for discussion

Four main themes will structure the various discussions. The conferences will provide a platform for stimulating debate, advanced research and knowledge exchange.

• Materials and product innovation

This session aims at highlighting innovations in materials, components and footwear products to better meet consumer needs, and exploring new design concepts, encompassing product development processes and technologies.

• Sustainability as an opportunity for competitiveness

This session will explore how the footwear industry can adopt responsible practices to secure its long-term future, and the role of artificial intelligence. As consumer expectations and environmental concerns intensify, it is essential to integrate sustainability into all aspects of production and design. AI plays an important role in this dimension, by helping to optimize energy use, limit material waste, carry out simulations...

• Smart and AI empowered manufacturing

Smart manufacturing is a production approach that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AI, automation, robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Big Data to streamline every aspect of the manufacturing process. It integrates digital tools and real-time data analysis to create a highly efficient, flexible and responsive manufacturing system. Not only do these innovations improve product quality and resource optimization, but they also open up new possibilities for customization and sustainability. By rethinking traditional approaches and leveraging these technologies, the footwear industry can gain in reliability and competitiveness, while meeting consumer expectations.

• Success stories

Despite the industry's drive to become more responsible, efficient and therefore more competitive, footwear manufacturers are frequently challenged by implementation constraints and the need to continually redefine their priorities due to shifts in market and global conditions. Nevertheless, some companies succeed in innovating, and it's important to share these stories, as they bear witness to the resilience of the industry's manufacturers.

Appel à présentations

The final session of the conference is devoted to success stories in one of these three areas: materials and product innovation / sustainability as an opportunity for competitiveness / Smart and AI empowered manufacturing. Have you implemented an outstanding innovation or successful initiative?

Take advantage of this opportunity to share your story and foster interaction with other professionals. Find out more about the call for presentations here.

Applications are open until April 11, 2025.