A Key Milestone in the InnovaTex Journey

From October 1 to 3, 2025, the partners of the InnovaTex project gathered in Chișinău, Moldova, for the second Transnational Project Meeting, organised and hosted by the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) in accordance with the approved project plan.

The event marked an important step forward for the Erasmus+ funded initiative, which aims to modernise vocational education and training (VET) in the textile and clothing sectors of Ukraine and Moldova. The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to review progress, coordinate next steps, and work collectively on defining the project’s upcoming capacity-building activities and training structure.

Throughout three days of working sessions, the consortium combined strategic discussions with on-site exploration of the university’s facilities — particularly those of the Faculty of Design, which will serve as the foundation for the future InnovaTex Smart Lab.

Capacity Building and Training Structure

The central theme of the Chișinău meeting was capacity building — preparing VET providers, trainers, and textile professionals to engage with modern technologies and sustainable production methods.
Under UA major focus of the meeting was the preparation of Work Package 2 – Capacity Building Preparation and Implementation, coordinated by the University of West Attica (UNIWA).
During dedicated sessions, partners discussed the methodology, structure, and training topics that will shape the capacity-building programme for Smart Labs in Ukraine and Moldova. These activities will equip local trainers and professionals with the skills needed to integrate digital, smart, and sustainable technologies into textile production and education.

The training framework currently under development encompasses a wide range of topics, including textile digitization and 3D scanning, smart materials, sensor integration, 3D design, and green production technologies. The structure combines theory with practical learning components, ensuring that the future Smart Labs will become spaces for both experimentation and skills transfer.

Developing the E-Learning Platform

The consortium also reviewed progress on the e-learning platform, which will host the digital learning materials and provide blended access to training for teachers, students, and professionals.
The platform will feature interactive modules, visual resources, and assessment tools, supporting both online and face-to-face learning. Partners discussed the architecture, accessibility requirements, and next steps for testing and implementation.

This digital platform will act as a key component of the InnovaTex ecosystem — not only a repository of knowledge, but also a collaborative environment that connects trainers, learners, and institutions across Europe.

Exchange, Cooperation, and Local Engagement

In addition to technical sessions, the meeting emphasised collaboration and knowledge exchange among the eight partner institutions from Romania, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, and Moldova. Each partner shared updates on their ongoing activities and contributions to the capacity-building and training components.

The first day of the meeting included a guided visit to the Faculty of Design at TUM, where partners explored modern workshops, digital laboratories, and prototyping spaces equipped with advanced software and design tools. These facilities are set to become the core of the future InnovaTex Smart Lab, a centre of excellence for applied research, education, and collaboration in textile innovation.

On October 2, 2025, participants also visited the Centre of Excellence in Light Industry in Chișinău, where they met local educators, trainers, and students. The visit provided valuable insights into Moldova’s textile education environment and fostered dialogue on how the InnovaTex results can best support national VET development.

Teamwork and Strategic Planning

The third day of the meeting was dedicated to management and strategic planning, where partners reviewed overall project progress, defined priorities, and outlined the implementation calendar for the next six months.
Led by the project coordinator, INCDTP (Romania), this session focused on refining workflows, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, and maintaining strong internal communication within the consortium.

Beyond the formal sessions, the event fostered meaningful collaboration and team spirit. Informal exchanges and discussions strengthened professional connections among partners, contributing to a sense of shared ownership and commitment to the project’s goals.

Towards a Shared Vision for Textile Education

The meeting also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and peer learning, which remain at the core of InnovaTex’s philosophy.
Representatives from all eight partner organisations—INCDTP (Romania), CIAPE (Italy), CRE.THI.DEV. (Greece), UNIWA (Greece), TUM (Moldova), IP CEIU (Moldova), KNTU (Ukraine), and KNUTD (Ukraine)—participated in working sessions to align their technical contributions, exchange insights, and refine deliverables.

Each partner brought its own area of expertise to the table: research and innovation, digital learning, sustainability, 3D modelling, or industrial design. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that the InnovaTex project remains comprehensive and aligned with both educational and industrial priorities.
The partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and the European dimension of the project, recognising that success will depend on a balance between local adaptation and international coordination.

Towards a Shared Vision for Textile Education

The Chișinău meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s shared mission to build a modern, innovative, and sustainable model of textile education that aligns with both local priorities and European strategies.
By integrating research, capacity building, and digital innovation, InnovaTex is creating the conditions for a long-term transformation of textile VET in Ukraine and Moldova.

The future InnovaTex Smart Labs, supported by the training programmes and the e-learning platform, will serve as centres of excellence where students, teachers, and professionals can access advanced technologies, experiment with new materials, and develop the skills required for the twin green and digital transitions.

The discussions and visits in Chișinău demonstrated once again that collaboration — between institutions, countries, and disciplines — remains at the heart of every innovation.
The consortium left the meeting with clear direction, strengthened cooperation, and renewed motivation to continue building a resilient, forward-looking textile education ecosystem in Eastern Europe.