The CTCR presents the following areas of development determined according to the strategic plan of the sector as the key technologies to increase competitiveness of companies in the footwear industry:

{slide=  Nanotechnology|closed|}

-Nanotechnology, science that has allowed to discover new applications in many fields, since on having worked to so small scale new materials can be designed by improved properties, being possible to reduce the costs and to simplify the systems of production.

-The application of the nanotechnology in the sector of the footwear will allow to renew the industry of the footwear as it is known a today, innovating not only in the design and ergonomics, but using these new materials of better presentations to attend to the increasing needs of the consumer.

-The Nanotechnology allows to obtain big advantages in the industry of the footwear, with the development of products with new properties, of high added value. The applications in the industry of the footwear are very diverse and go, from the improvement of the properties of the materials that shape the footwear, up to the design of " worn à la carte ".

{slide=  Information & Communication Technologies}

 - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are currently developing at a dizzyingly-fast pace, which is being felt in virtually every single area of our society. These ICTs have become key work tools throughout the business process and in each and every professional and business activity. Because of this, the CTCR has a specific ICT department to cover the needs of businesses in this area.

- The footwear industry is not independent in this global technological progress and ICTs contribute to saving costs in industrial, logistic and commercial processes as well as to meeting and exceeding clients' expectations by reducing the custom service deadlines. 

{slide=  Environment}

 - Nowadays, being green is becoming more and more popular. This fact is emphasized primarily in foreign markets as demonstrated by the creation of new ecological labels both at a European level (Ecolabel) and a national level (Nordic Swan in the Northern countries, the Blaue Engel in Germany, the Milieuker in The Netherlands, etc).

- The environmental aspect is becoming important as a source of competitiveness throughout the development and the integration of environmentally sustainable technologies as well as the development of products with a lower environmental impact.

{slide=  CAD and Prototyping}

- The integration of computer controlled design in current industrial processes of the footwear sector allows a reduction in design time and consequently, a faster appearance of products on the market.

- New technologies help to achieve these improvements: the last digitizing is applied to simplify the design process of both the pattern and the soles. We have reached automatic manufacturing processes and guidelines regarding the lasts. Additionally, further to the application of this type of technologies to processes, it is possible to obtain both rigid and flexible models within shorter periods, but also to make simpler and faster design corrections.

- The integration of these techniques and technologies allows companies to offer products with shorter development times and lower costs; undoubtedly, a great benefit from beginning to end.

{slide=  Electronichs and Mechanics}

 - Electronics has undoubtedly experienced a boom in recent years and we expect great years to come in the automation sector. In fact, the professional Association of Robotics and Automation of the VDMA forecasts a record increase of 37% in the turnover reaching €10,300,000 in 2012.

{slide=  Design and Fashion}

- The constant evolution of technologies, market globalization and the fast transmission of knowledge and information are fundamental characteristics of the modern era.  These aspects constitute a permanent source of opportunities and threats for all companies. Innovation is the key factor so as to gain advantage while avoiding pitfalls. Furthermore, it is the most efficient way of remaining competitive in a more and more demanding and complex world market.

- Consequently, companies have to learn to manage innovation, not only to accurately apply these new technologies but also to create and develop an innovative attitude in every area of the organization. Manufacturing processes will automatically be improved and the company structure be made much more efficient. Also, agents will approach the business in a more creative way to offer the market new product concepts and services and exceed the clients' satisfaction. They will manage to communicate intensively and clearly to the market and, ultimately, to be more competitive.

- Design is a fundamental means of developing innovation in fashion. Through design, companies create and communicate products, build their image and brand, and, assure their presence in the market, which is in the mind and in the heart of clients.

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