The TWIN-TEX project responds to the need to modernise higher education in the textile sector in the Western Balkans and to better connect it with the green and digital transformation of European industry. The project aims to develop and introduce a joint innovative course focused on the circular economy, sustainable textile systems and digital manufacturing technologies. Teaching will be complemented by the gamified virtual GreenLab environment, enabling students to work practically with scenarios, simulations and digital twin technologies. The project will be implemented at six higher education institutions in Kosovo, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, strengthening their capacity to provide education aligned with labour-market needs and European standards.

Objectives of the Project Work Packages

WP1 – Project Management and Quality Assurance

This work package ensures the overall management, coordination and quality assurance of the project. It focuses on administrative and financial management, monitoring of the project schedule and outputs, risk management, communication among partners and continuous quality assessment. It also includes the establishment of common project management procedures, internal and external evaluation, and measures to ensure that the principles of inclusion, equal access and European values are reflected across all project activities and results.

WP2 – Design and Development of the TWIN-TEX Course for the Green and Digital Transformation of Textile Education

The aim of this work package is to develop a new TWIN-TEX educational course integrating the circular economy, sustainable textile production and digital twin technologies. The project will first carry out a detailed analysis of labour-market needs and differences between European and Western Balkan contexts. A joint 30-ECTS curriculum model will then be developed, adapted to the six partner higher education institutions, validated by academic and external stakeholders, and complemented by teaching modules. The course will subsequently be digitalised to support blended and online learning as well as virtual mobility.

WP3 – Design and Implementation of the Gamified GreenLab Learning Environment

This work package will develop the virtual gamified GreenLab environment, enabling students to apply the knowledge gained through the TWIN-TEX course in practice. GreenLab will include at least 18 interactive scenarios and related quizzes focusing on the circular economy, digital twins and sustainable textile practices. The work package will also provide the necessary technical equipment for partner higher education institutions, a user guide and extensive testing with students and academic staff, allowing the environment to be further refined based on their experience and feedback.

WP4 – Internal Quality Assurance System and Approval of the TWIN-TEX Course

The aim of this work package is to establish a common quality management system for the TWIN-TEX course and ensure its formal integration into the study programmes of partner higher education institutions. Academic staff will receive training in quality management, and a common methodology will be developed for the continuous monitoring and improvement of course quality. At the same time, the participating institutions will prepare the documentation required for institutional approval and conclude agreements supporting joint course delivery, virtual mobility, credit transfer and cooperation with industry.

WP5 – Professional Development of Academic Staff for TWIN-TEX Course Delivery

This work package focuses on preparing academic staff for the high-quality delivery of the new course. A Teacher’s Toolkit will be developed, providing methodological guidance for individual modules and practical GreenLab activities. The work package will include international training focused on methodology, course content and quality assurance, followed by national training activities at the partner higher education institutions. The objective is to build sufficient capacity among trained academic staff to ensure the long-term delivery of the course beyond the project lifetime.

WP6 – Pilot Implementation of the TWIN-TEX Course

The aim of this work package is to pilot and evaluate the TWIN-TEX course at six partner higher education institutions in the Western Balkans. At least 365 students will participate in the first edition, with learning combining face-to-face teaching, online activities and practical work in GreenLab. Students will also participate in virtual and physical internships and inter-university Green Innovation Hackathons, where they will develop concrete innovative solutions for the textile sector. Particular emphasis will be placed on the inclusion of students with fewer opportunities and the promotion of virtual mobility. The project plans at least 365 digital internships, 60 industry internships and six hackathons, resulting in at least 60 student innovation projects.

WP7 – Dissemination, Exploitation, Sustainability and Policy Engagement

This work package ensures the communication of project results, their long-term exploitation, and the engagement of stakeholders and policymakers. A project visual identity, website and open online platform will be developed, providing access to the TWIN-TEX course, GreenLab and other educational resources. The project will carry out regular communication activities, newsletters, presentations and professional outputs, and organise at least six dialogue events involving representatives of ministries, chambers of commerce and industry. The work package will also develop an exploitation and sustainability strategy and organise three final national conferences focused on the wider uptake and institutionalisation of project results.

Who Is Behind the Project

• Mgr. Bc. Jiří Peřina – Project Manager
• Ing. Julie Holendová – Expert Team Member

Project Overview

• Applicant / Coordinator – NEWTON University, Czech Republic
• Partners – NANOVACZECH s.r.o., Czech Republic; Kadri Zeka University (UKZ), Kosovo; International University for Business and Technology (UBT), Kosovo; Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; University of Bihać (UNBI), Bosnia and Herzegovina; Polytechnic University of Tirana (UPT), Albania; University of Elbasan Aleksandër Xhuvani (UNIEL), Albania; Technical University of Sofia (TUS), Bulgaria; TETRA Solutions Ltd., Bulgaria
• Associated Partners – University of Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Kosova Chamber of Commerce; Kosova Center for Digital Education (KCDE), Kosovo; RECYAL, Albania; Kosovo Institute for Education and Research (KIER); Albania Sustainable Development Organization; Akademia Evolucion
• Project identification code – 101323536
• Budget – EUR 799,641.48
• Funding source – Erasmus+ Programme, Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), Region 1 – Western Balkans, Strand 2