WORTH PROJECT – MAKING CONNECTIONS AND CROSSING BORDERS WITH DESIGN, CRAFT AND MANUFACTURE ACROSS EUROPE

Inspired by the designer Charles F. Worth – a pioneer of of Haute couture, the WORTH project will initiate partnerships between Designers and Enterprises (manufacturers, retailers, craftsmen, technology companies) in fashion, textiles, jewellery, footwear, eyewear, furniture, fur, leather industries, from different EU member states (and other CIP participating countries) to create innovative new products. Partners will be supported to develop the products, define their market positioning, exhibit them at trade fairs or exhibitions and organize IP rights management. Coaching and strategic advice will be provided to the partnerships. The Worth project is supported by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enterprise & Industry and financed under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) which aims to encourage the competiveness of European Enterprises.

WORTH project will initiate 30 partnerships between DESIGNERS and ENTERPRISES : manufacturers, retailers, craftsmen, technology companies) in fashion, textiles, jewellery, footwear, eyewear, furniture, leather industries from different EU member states (and other CIP participating countries) to create innovative new products under the guidance of a professional Steering Board.

WORTH will provide coaching and strategic advice + help support Product development Exhibition at trade fairs or other venues IP rights organization and management.

WORTH web platform is open to:

an entrance for candidates + a hub of partnerships
a pool of online resources of the partners to share knowhow and post needs
online and real events to engage participants and relevant audiences
a database of designers, craftsmen, manufacturers, makers, artisans etc.
business models and best practices arising to support collaborative product development and best practice
knowledge transfer via case studies of successful collaborations and partnerships.

There are 3 types of eligible projects:

A. designer-based: designers or retailers looking for creative opportunities to raise value added and/or explore different products through different materials, finishes and manufacturing processes that are new to the company;

B. market-oriented: manufacturers seeking the integration of design capability to expand existing or secure new customer base by improving design quality, adding value to products or through innovative new products;

C.design technology-oriented: manufacturers seeking to master modern developing or prototyping techniques to improve flexibility, reactivity and production management by integrating updated design technology (pre-industrial production phases) or technique. Such partnerships could possibly receive help from designers for new salable ideas.

More information at www.worth-project.eu

Express your interest via the on-line form at http://www.worth-project.eu/project-design-craft-manufacturer-europe/get-involved.html