The footwear industry is one of the oldest and most developed economic sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It provides significant employment opportunities for many people, especially in rural areas, and is an important source of income for many families. The country has a long tradition of shoe manufacturing, which dates back to the 18th century and is traditionally based in Republika Srpska. In 2022, footwear exports amounted to more than USD 250 million and comprised 12 million pairs of shoes. The sector has faced challenges in recent years due to increased competition from imports and the economic crisis, and vocational education, which is divided into three levels - basic, intermediate and advanced, has shortcomings that hinder the further development of the sector in line with the aspirations and skills of entrepreneurs.

The project will aim to develop digital and green skills along the entire value chain - from design to marketing - in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian footwear sector. The aim is to promote the simultaneous transition to a greener and digitalized economy, taking into account the developments in this sector in Europe. This initiative aims to empower the footwear sector to usher in a new era characterized by digitalization and a reduction in carbon emissions, in line with the "Fit to 55%" targets (55% net greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030). The aim is to specifically integrate a group of countries that are actively pursuing these goals.