UITIC Congress promoted innovation and global dialogue in Shanghai
More than 300 representatives from 14 countries and regions turned Shanghai into the technical capital of the footwear industry between August 31 and September 3, 2025.
During the 22nd UITIC International Technical Footwear Congress, technicians, experts, business leaders, associations, research centers, and media outlets exchanged knowledge and strengthened ties under the theme “Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”
Organized by the International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians (UITIC) and the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), the congress returned to China for the second time since 2013, reinforcing its importance as a global technical forum for the footwear industry.
Participants discussed and shared research through keynote lectures, roundtables, oral presentations, and poster exhibitions. More than 50 specialists addressed the latest developments in materials, sustainability, and applications of artificial intelligence.
According to event organizers, representatives attended from mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Canada.
The program combined academic sessions with industrial tours. Delegates visited the Shanghai Art & Design Academy (SADA), specialized in art and design; Shanghai Shima Technology, involved in the full footwear manufacturing process; Zhejiang Huafon New Materials, focused on materials; Do-win, a high-performance sports footwear brand; and Saina, specialized in protective work footwear.
Participants also toured the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) and the Moda China International Shoes, Bags & Apparel Fashion Fair 2025.
The congress agenda offered diverse technical content. Key highlights included the lectures “From Shoes to Systems: AI-Driven Workflows for Next-Generation Footwear” and “Technological Innovation Promotes Sustainable Development.” The thematic sessions focused on material and product innovation, sustainability as a driver of competitiveness, AI-powered smart manufacturing, and successful industrial case studies.
A dedicated panel also examined “The power of AI for the footwear business.”
The Spanish delegation, made up of the Footwear Components From Spain (AEC), the Centre for Technology and Innovation (INESCOP), and the Valencian Association of Footwear Entrepreneurs (AVECAL), used the congress to showcase their latest developments and reinforce ties with the Asian industry.
According to Álvaro Sánchez -AEC’s Managing Director- “the presence in Shanghai strengthened our view that the Spanish industry must continue to bet on differentiation and innovation as engines of growth.” Five Spanish companies carried out technical visits and business meetings to identify synergies.
Portugal was represented by CTCP -the Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre- whose speakers presented research on the reuse of tanned leather waste, digital traceability, AI-assisted decision-making, and skills development for Industry i5.0. They also presented posters on circular economy, augmented reality, and the metaverse.
