The Guidelines for the Strategic Plan for the Italian Fashion System were presented on 16 April by the Chamber of Deputies, with the full support of Confindustria Accessori Moda and Confindustria Moda, highlighting the need for a comprehensive industrial policy capable of supporting the transformation of supply chains and strengthening their competitiveness in the medium to long term.

The Plan identifies a number of levers considered crucial for the sector’s growth: innovation and investment, human capital development, internationalisation, digital and green transition, more efficient access to credit, and initiatives on training and energy. Within this framework, a central role is assigned to training and the strengthening of human capital, including through the memorandum of understanding signed with the Minister of Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara. The agreement aims to consolidate the link between the education system and businesses in the sector, with the aim of reducing the skills mismatch and supporting young people’s access to technical and vocational pathways linked to the fashion and footwear sector.

“The strength of the Italian footwear industry lies in its regional clusters and SMEs, a unique asset that must be defended and strengthened,” said Giovanna Ceolini, President of Assocalzaturifici and President of MICAM. “The guidelines are a step in the right direction, but what is needed now is concrete action: to turn them into practical tools capable of having a real impact on the competitiveness of businesses.”

Assocalzaturifici reiterates the need to translate the guidelines into actionable measures capable of supporting the sector’s growth and consolidating the role of Made in Italy in global fashion.