Industry dialogue for the footwear and leather goods industry in Pirmasens: PFI contributes perspectives from research and practice

At the invitation of the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture and the Federal Association of the Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L), an industry dialogue for the footwear and leather goods industry took place in Pirmasens at the beginning of January. The renowned footwear manufacturer Kennel & Schmenger acted as host. The Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute (PFI) was also represented by its new director, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell, and its chairman, Michael Tackenberg.

The aim of the dialogue was to facilitate an open and practical exchange between industry, associations and politicians on the current challenges and future prospects facing the sector. The discussion focused in particular on the development of city centres and digital commerce, support programmes for innovation and trade fair participation, and the removal of bureaucratic hurdles – including those related to the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Supply Chain Act.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Schell, Director of the PFI since the beginning of the year, emphasised the importance of the dialogue format:
"The industry dialogue has impressively demonstrated how closely tradition, innovation and current regulatory requirements are linked in the footwear and leather goods industry. In my view, open exchange with companies, associations and politicians is a key component in jointly developing sustainable and practical solutions for the future of the industry."

Michael Tackenberg, Chairman of the PFI, also emphasised the added value of the event:
‘Formats such as the industry dialogue are extremely valuable because they create space for honest discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Issues such as reducing bureaucracy, digitalisation and sustainable value creation can only be meaningfully advanced through joint dialogue.’

In addition to the regulatory and economic framework conditions, the increasing distortion of competition caused by international online platforms and the ongoing decline of city centres were also discussed at length. The industry representatives present took the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with Minister for Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt, who emphasised the importance of direct exchange for political decision-making processes.

The industry dialogue was rounded off with a factory tour at Kennel & Schmenger. Managing Director Andreas Klautzsch gave participants detailed insights into the production of high-quality branded shoes and impressively illustrated how traditional craftsmanship and modern production processes are still successfully combined in the family business today.

The industry dialogue once again highlighted the central role played by the footwear and leather goods industry in Rhineland-Palatinate – as a traditional yet innovative sector and an important driver of expertise, employment and regional value creation. The PFI welcomes the constructive exchange and sees its role in continuing to provide scientific and practice-oriented impetus for the sustainable and future-oriented development of the industry.