Partners

The Footwear Technology Centre of La Rioja (CTCR) in Arnedo, Spain, is a leading non-profit research and development hub for the footwear sector. With strong facilities and expertise, it aims to boost industry competitiveness through innovation, quality control, training, and collaboration. CTCR actively participates in European R&D projects (Horizon2020, Erasmus+, etc.) and has a large network of partners. Its R&D capabilities cover ICT, nanotechnology, environment, electronics, mechanics, and prototyping, and it can also certify footwear. CTCR facilitates technology transfer to its partners and boasts well-equipped chemical, physical, and electronics/ICT laboratories, demonstrated by its involvement in various innovative projects like EcorioFab, Modern, and Hibri4D. CTCR is the coordinator of 3aDitional project.

ADESOS (ASOCIACION PARA EL DESARROLLO Y LA SOSTENIBILIDAD) is a Spanish non-profit dedicated to social development, focusing on socio-economic policies, business competitiveness, innovation, research, and advocating for social improvements like equality, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Accredited to offer VET studies, ADESOS targets adults (especially women, unemployed, and those at risk of exclusion), workers, and young people with training in digitalization, environment, equality, manufacturing, and marketing. They work on EU projects promoting female entrepreneurship and bridging the digital gap. ADESOS also focuses on improving unemployed qualifications and developing effective training methods for disadvantaged groups. Its president’s influential roles in regional and national vocational training organizations provide significant reach. With experience in developing international observatories and a decade-long focus on inclusive training methodologies and ICT tools for adults, ADESOS has strong networking capabilities to enhance project impact and dissemination.

AIJU (Association for Research of the Toy Industry and Related Sectors) is a Spanish non-profit established in 1985 to drive R&D and technological innovation in the toy industry, enhancing competitiveness and product quality. With modern facilities and 120 experts, AIJU assists over 420 associates, including toy producers, auxiliary industries, and others, by optimizing product development from concept to market launch. They offer diverse technological services like safety testing, design, prototyping, process improvement, and training, particularly in technical education for associated companies. AIJU actively participates in national, European, and international standardization committees (CEN, ISO, CENELEC) and holds ISO certifications. Accredited by ENAC and a Notified Body in the EU for toy safety, AIJU’s key departments include Innovative Materials and Manufacturing (including additive manufacturing), Safety of Consumer Products, and Training. They possess significant expertise in additive manufacturing technologies, accredited safety testing of children’s products, involvement in standardization, and providing tailored training to industry professionals and the unemployed.

Established in 1859, the Polytechnic University of Turin (POLITO) is Italy’s oldest and a highly prestigious public institution for engineering, architecture, and design, ranking among the top technical universities globally. It boasts around 1,000 professors and researchers educating 37,000 students (over 5,000 international) across diverse degree programs, many in English, and has extensive international partnerships. POLITO has significant experience in European projects (Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, etc.) and is recognized for its international collaborations and research quality. The project involves researchers from the Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP), focusing on the interplay between production systems and the economic environment, and the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), concentrating on fundamental principles of matter and energy and their engineering applications across various disciplines.

CARDET360 is an independent social innovation organization stemming from CARDET, an international non-profit with global expertise. While distinct, it shares CARDET’s principles and expertise, managing a broad portfolio in VET, inclusion, digital transformation, green transition, health, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Its international team has extensive experience in education R&D. CARDET360 is part of ALL Digital and the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, with team members having implemented projects in over 30 countries supported by major international bodies. They utilize the 3SIGMATM model for project planning and execution and offer comprehensive, 360-degree solutions across the project lifecycle, including innovative curriculum design and online learning environments incorporating technologies like XR and AI.

CEDA (Culture and EDucation Association), established in Slovakia, is a non-profit focused on sustainable rural development, tourism promotion, Slovak culture, and implementing national and international cultural and educational projects, especially in VET and adult education using ICT. Through innovative ICT-based education projects, they support social and cultural enhancement, bringing fresh perspectives to the 3aDitional initiatives. With experienced professionals in agriculture, environment, ICT, and education, CEDA collaborates widely on EU, national, and regional levels. They have extensive experience in managing and coordinating EU projects (ERASMUS+, Horizon 2020, etc.) focused on rural development, heritage (including traditional crafts), renewable energy, digital skills in agriculture, and developing innovative educational materials. CEDA staff is also skilled in designing and implementing distant and blended learning programs and provides ICT support for project dissemination. They will lead WP5 dedicated to the dissemination and valorisation of the 3aDitional project.