Consolidated State of the Art Report
Enhancing Internationalisation Capabilities of micro-SMEs in Furniture Sector through ECVET Compliant Innovative Training Course
Project Ref: 2022-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000089008
This Consolidated State of the Art Report provides a comprehensive overview of the furniture industry at both the European and worldwide levels, with a specific focus on Türkiye, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Estonia. The report examines the existing situation of the furniture sector, the significance of micro-SMEs, vocational education and training (VET), and environmental concerns within each of these countries. The furniture industry plays a crucial role in the national economies of these countries, with micro-SMEs dominating the sector.
In terms of the EU furniture market, the sector employs approximately 1 million workers in 130 thousand companies and generates an annual turnover of around €96 billion(Strategy for Forest-based Industries, n.d.) 1. Despite facing challenges during the economic crisis and the recent impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the furniture industry has demonstrated resilience and recovery. It has also undergone significant transformations to become more export-oriented, gaining recognition globally for its quality and design.
The INT4FURN project is an Erasmus+ project that lasts 24 month and aims to promote entrepreneurship among micro-SMEs and young people and thus create high-quality new employment and internationalisation opportunities. The consortium consists of 7 organisations from Türkiye, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Estonia, as the furniture sector plays a vital role in their national economies, with micro-SMEs dominating the industry. Vocational education and training (VET) are crucial for the development of the furniture sector. This project underlines the importance of creating vocational education and training (VET) programs that are aligned with the specific requirements of the industry. The countries participating in the project have a wide range of public and private institutions capable of providing tailored VET initiatives that meet the demands of the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, but nevertheless weaknesses and shortcomings are highlighted. The aim is to tailor these programs to meet the unique needs of industry, and to be able to effectively cultivate a skilled and competent workforce equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities in their respective sectors. Μicro-SMEs are the backbone of the furniture sector in these countries, and fostering their growth and competitiveness is crucial.
Environmental concerns are also a key focus within the furniture industry. As a significant consumer of natural resources and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector is increasingly embracing sustainability principles and initiatives in Türkiye, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Estonia. Efforts are being made to incorporate eco-friendly materials, promote circular economy practices, and reduce the carbon footprint of furniture production.
The report provides a detailed analysis of each country’s furniture sector, including factors such as production and consumption, market trends, regional distribution, technology activities, and export-import dynamics. It highlights the importance of joint curricula development, internationalization training for micro-SMEs, and collaboration between educational institutions and businesses.
In conclusion, this Consolidated State of the Art Report offers valuable insights into the furniture industry, focusing on the unique characteristics and challenges faced by Türkiye, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Estonia. By understanding the specific contexts and initiatives within each country, stakeholders can develop tailored strategies to promote growth, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability in the furniture sector.
Disclaimer
The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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