Artificial intelligence as the new frontier in the footwear industry: the UITIC 2025 Congress outlines the future of global manufacturing

“AI, sustainability, and competitiveness: shaping the future of footwear.” This was the common thread that guided the 22nd edition of the UITIC (International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians) Congress, hosted in Shanghai in 2025. A city that symbolizes industrial transformation, chosen not by chance to address the major issues that are revolutionizing the world of footwear: artificial intelligence, sustainability, innovative materials, and new production models.

The event, one of the most prestigious in the world for footwear technology, brought together 350 registered participants from 17 countries, involving companies, universities, and research centers. The agenda was intense and varied: two days of industrial visits to companies such as Shanghai Shima Technology Group, Zhejiang Huafon New Materials, Do-Win, and Saina Co., followed by two days of conferences and workshops.

Setting the pace for the conference were two keynote speeches—one by Footwearology, the other by Li Ning—16 technical presentations, a panel with six international speakers, and 24 presentations in the Innovation Showcase. But more than the numbers, what was striking was the depth of the topics covered: a true immersion in the present and future of the footwear industry.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE SECTOR

The word “AI” dominated every discussion. In the sessions dedicated to smart manufacturing and AI-empowered manufacturing, there was talk of intelligent production platforms, voice-based and machine learning-based quality control systems, and advanced robotization that does not replace but enhances human work.

A key concept emerged: artificial intelligence as the nervous system of the company, capable of coordinating flows, decisions, and processes. But — as one of the speakers pointed out — “humans are always needed in the loop.” The golden rules, summarized as “guardrails, license plates, and driver’s licenses,” are clear: AI must be guided, regulated, and understood in order to produce real value.

MATERIALS, DURABILITY, AND A SECOND LIFE FOR LEATHER

No less central was the session on materials and product innovations. The focus was on sustainable, recycled, and smart materials, with a reflection on durability as a new ecological paradigm. The theme of “second life for leather wastes” inspired many companies: transforming waste into resources is not only an environmental imperative, but also a competitive lever.

A particularly heated debate concerned the true nature of “eco-leather,” too often used as a marketing label. The congress reiterated the urgency of defining clear technical criteria capable of distinguishing truly sustainable materials from solutions that are only apparent.

SUSTAINABILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS: THE NEW INDUSTRIAL COMBINATION

Discussions on the theme of “Technology innovation for sustainability” showed that green innovation is no longer an option but a condition for competitive survival. Companies and researchers shared projects on footwear traceability, disassembly and component recovery strategies, as well as large-scale circular production models.

Sustainability, it was reiterated, is not a communication issue, but one of engineering and a business model. And AI, once again, is the tool that makes it measurable and scalable.

STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION: WHEN INNOVATION BECOMES EVERYDAY

The session dedicated to “successful industrial stories” showed concrete cases of digital transformation in footwear: from the use of skill intelligence to AI applications for sustainable design.

The most advanced companies are already operating in an “innovation ecosystem”, where academic skills, research, and industry continuously influence each other. It is a new supply chain model, more open, collaborative, and oriented towards experimentation.

THE POWER OF AI

The conference closed with a panel discussion on the power of AI, in which researchers, material and technology suppliers, and industry innovators offered complementary perspectives. All agreed on one point: artificial intelligence is already transforming products, processes, and business models, and the footwear industry—often perceived as traditionalist—is becoming an ideal testing ground for global industrial transition.

THE NEW UITIC ERA

During the general assembly, UITIC also announced a new phase in its history: a new statute was approved to bring it up to date, the members of the Executive Committee were confirmed, and Paul Guillaume was welcomed as a new representative. From 2026, membership fees will be reintroduced and a new website with more services will be launched, in addition to the creation of the UITIC Journal of Footwear Technology, dedicated to research and technical innovation.

The next edition of the congress is scheduled for 2027, in a location yet to be determined, but with a message that is already clear: the global footwear industry has entered the era of augmented intelligence.

The UITIC 2025 Congress was not just a technical event, but a statement of vision: AI does not replace humans, but amplifies their creativity and efficiency; sustainability is not a constraint but a competitive challenge; innovation is not a promise but a path already underway.

For Sergio Dulio, President of UITIC, the world is changing radically and the footwear industry is facing challenges, “but these challenges can be solved through close collaboration. The development of the footwear industry must be forward-looking and always open to new technologies. The world is entering the era of artificial intelligence, which will not only change footwear technology, but will also change all aspects of life. Therefore, it is necessary to have an open attitude and correctly assess the impact of artificial intelligence on factories.”