Micam and Mipel land in Indonesia
On 29 May, the promotional tour of the two fairs made a stop in the Asian country. A scholarship programme at Arsutoria School Milano is also planned.
Keep reading...The world of footwear is preparing for a crucial appointment with innovation. From 31 August to 3 September 2025, Shanghai will host the 22nd UITIC International Technical Footwear Congress, organised by UITIC and CLIA – China Leather Industry Association, on the theme ‘Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Era of Artificial Intelligence’.
An event that promises to be of extraordinary interest, as confirmed by Sergio Dulio, UITIC President, whom we interviewed to better understand the novelties of this edition.
Artificial Intelligence drives innovation
“More than half of the papers presented concern AI, with mature and exciting projects. This is a turning point”, reveals President Dulio.
Artificial intelligence is confirmed as the pivotal theme of the next edition of the UITIC Congress, with a surprising number of contributions focusing on concrete and advanced applications. “This is a positive surprise, testifying to the growing curiosity and desire to experiment also in the footwear sector.”
The congress explores unprecedented scenarios in which AI is emerging as a creative tool, particularly in the product design phase. “A widespread trend is emerging to consider artificial intelligence as a lever for rethinking product design processes,” adds Dulio.
Sustainability: from regulatory constraint to strategic lever
The issue of sustainability is also taking on a new centrality, evolving from a simple regulatory obligation to a decisive competitive factor. “Today, companies recognise sustainability as a strategic element for competitiveness,” notes Dulio. “It is no longer just an externally imposed obligation, but a value that has now entered the common lexicon and is perceived as necessary for a company’s prosperity.”
A rich and high-profile programme
The congress is divided into four major thematic sessions: Innovative products and materials; Sustainability as a tool for competitiveness; Innovative and AI-enhanced manufacturing; Successful business cases.
Among the most eagerly awaited moments, the keynote speech by Nicoline van Enter on artificial intelligence applied to footwear development. She will be joined by a second keynote speaker chosen from among Anta’s top managers. The concluding panel will be dedicated to the future of AI in the footwear world.
“The quality of the speeches is very high,” Dulio points out with satisfaction. “We had no difficulty in completing the programme with authoritative speakers for each of the four sessions.”
China protagonist of this edition of the Congress
One of the most significant novelties is the strong growth of the Chinese contribution. “There has been an important participation of Chinese companies in the Call for Abstract with high quality proposals and papers”, reveals Dulio.
Innovating to overcome the crisis
At a delicate time for the entire shoe industry, the congress assumes a strategic value. “Investing in innovation is now more crucial than ever,” reiterates the president. “Emerging technologies, starting with artificial intelligence, can be a key to regaining competitiveness, especially for manufacturing companies that can no longer compete on volumes.”
An opportunity for the entire supply chain
The event is aimed at the entire footwear value chain: “It is a fundamental update not only for those who make the finished product, but also for those who develop and supply the technologies”, Dulio emphasises. The supply chain is called upon to dialogue, confront each other and rethink with a view to the future.
The evolution of UITIC
The congress is not only a point of arrival, but also a starting point. “We are asking ourselves what the future evolution of our association will be”, Dulio anticipates. “It is possible that in two years’ time UITIC will no longer be exactly as we know it today.” An opening that portends important novelties for the coming editions.
The 22nd UITIC International Technical Footwear Congress in Shanghai is shaping up to be a not-to-be-missed event for all those in the industry who want to understand and anticipate the transformations taking place. A unique opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence and sustainability can become the pillars of future competitiveness in the world of footwear.
The final programme will be published around 10 of June on the conference website (uitic2025.com).
