The initiative originated from the leaders of two key Valencian municipalities, the mayors of Elche and Elda, Carlos González and Rubén Alfaro. Their aim was to secure stronger backing from regional administrations for the footwear industry, prioritizing modernization and industrialization as the backbone of a resilient local economy. The consultation occurred in Elda during the concluding session of a Valencian Courts special commission tasked with reviewing the business model of the footwear sector. There, the Elche city leader stood up with a clear objective: to bolster Elche’s standing in the sector and to ignite a sector-wide evolution that would benefit the entire region. The proposal to establish an international fair under the Valencian International Fair Authority was presented as a pivotal move to showcase innovation and attract global interest in Valencian footwear.
In their joint remarks, the mayors underscored the sector’s vital role in driving industrial development and furnishing stable jobs in their cities. They argued that footwear had long since ceased to be a peripheral activity and that it was time to place it at the forefront of regional growth and innovation. The emphasis was on turning tradition into modern competitiveness, blending artisanal know-how with scalable industrial processes to attract investment and create high-quality employment. The consensus outlined a path to elevate the sector through targeted modernization and strategic alliances, enabling players to compete on the world stage while preserving local character.
Attention then shifted to the strategic challenges ahead, particularly the transformative journey toward Industry 4.0. The mayors highlighted the importance of adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, digitization, and data-driven management to improve product quality, reduce time-to-market, and raise overall productivity. They also stressed the need to extend Valencian footwear’s international footprint, helping firms of all sizes access new markets and build stronger supply chains. Education and workforce development emerged as essential pillars—enhancing vocational training, updating curricula to reflect modern production needs, and ensuring working conditions that attract and retain skilled labor across generations. A robust relocation plan and workforce transition support were identified as crucial to navigating a changing employment landscape and protecting communities from disruption.
Governance partners urged continued and amplified backing from regional authorities such as the Generalitat to realize these goals. Key priorities included sustained internationalization, capacity expansion, and a fair distribution of workloads that match growth ambitions. Attention was given to tapping European Union funding streams, with officials noting how these funds could amplify regional strengths to speed modernization, export growth, and research collaborations. The dialogue reinforced a shared belief that public investment should align with private sector drive to yield durable economic benefits and long-term industry health. The emphasis on EU support signaled a broader understanding that cross-border collaboration and common standards would help Valencian footwear compete on equal terms with global players.
A clear aspiration emerged: the creation of an international shoe fair at the IFA, paired with the establishment of a National Footwear Reference Center. This institution would serve as a center of excellence for innovation, quality control, and industry benchmarking, strengthening the reputation of Valencian footwear and acting as a magnet for buyers, designers, and technology providers. The vision extended beyond a single event, aiming to establish a sustained agenda that would continually redefine the business model of the footwear sector to stay current with global trends and consumer needs. The commission’s final session highlighted the momentum needed to convert ideas into concrete policy and practical outcomes, ensuring the sector remains dynamic in the face of evolving markets.
In summary, the discussions reflected a steadfast commitment to modernizing the footwear industry and reinforcing its role as a driver of regional prosperity. By advancing Industry 4.0 readiness, boosting international exposure, and leveraging European and regional funds, the mayors sought to position Elche and Elda as leading centers of footwear innovation. The proposed international fair at IFA and the National Footwear Reference Center were framed as milestones within a strategic plan designed to redefine the industry model for today and the future, with a clear focus on sustainable growth, job creation, and regional resilience.