Co-Creating Education for the Future: How 3DP-STeF Engages Youth, Educators, and Industry

Education is a human right, a public good, and a shared responsibility. This principle lies at the heart of the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to proclaim 24 January as the International Day of Education, recognising the vital role education plays in promoting peace, sustainable development, and social inclusion.

Without inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, and without access to lifelong learning opportunities for all, societies cannot achieve gender equality nor break the cycle of poverty that continues to leave millions of children, young people, and adults behind.

International Day of Education 2026

The power of youth in co-creating education

When it comes to shaping the future of education, young people play a central role. They are not only the main beneficiaries of education systems, but also the professionals, innovators, and decision-makers of tomorrow. Their aspirations, skills, and ambitions should therefore actively shape the learning pathways designed for them.

For this reason, meaningfully engaging students and youth in co-creating the education they want and need is essential. Co-creation helps ensure that education is relevant, future-oriented, and aligned with real societal and labour market needs.

How 3DP-STeF puts co-creation into practice

This vision is at the core of the 3DP-STeF project. From its very first phase, the project has embraced a co-creation approach, placing learners, educators, and industry professionals at the centre of curriculum development.

As a first step, a needs analysis and tailored surveys have been launched and distributed to three key target groups:

• Students

• Teachers and educators

• Professionals from the fashion, textile, interior design sectors, and researchers from circular economy technologies, knowledge, and innovative products.

These surveys aim to identify current and future digital and ICT skills needs, particularly in relation to 3D printing, digital fabrication, and innovative technologies used in the textile and fashion industries and it will run until the 15th of February 2026. The results will directly inform the design of learning materials and modules within the 3DP-STeF educational programmes.

Based on this collective input, the project will define clear focal points for the digital skills required by enterprises and their workforce, ensuring that the curriculum responds to real industry challenges and emerging trends. As a result, the 3DP-STeF courses will include a dedicated ICT and digital technologies module tailored to the textile and fashion sector.

Why your input matters

This co-creation process is a crucial step in ensuring that the curriculum reflects the actual needs of its target groups — and ultimately in supporting the success, employability, and career development of future graduates.

In the spirit of the International Day of Education, we invite:

• Industry experts

• Researchers  

• Students

• Teachers and educators

to actively participate in the surveys and contribute to shaping an educational programme that is relevant, innovative, and future-proof.

By working together, 3DP-STeF aims to deliver a tailored educational pathway that aligns students’ expectations with the evolving needs of the fashion, textile, and interior design sectors — preparing learners not only for today’s jobs, but for the careers of tomorrow.

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