The aim of HACKTEX was to develop innovative tools for engineering training facilitating the necessary skills targeted to higher education in relation to innovation in order to obtain its objectives. • To create innovation in the virtual teaching environment in the field of smart textile (R1 HACKTEX methodology, R2 virtual training materials, and R4 virtual guide on entrepreneurship) • To support engineering students in acquiring digital and transdisciplinary innovation skills in smart textiles. (R2 virtual training materials and R4 virtual guide on entrepreneurship) • To create virtual course on smart textiles (R2 virtual training materials) • To foster student cooperation and multidisciplinary approach in hands-on projects (R3 LTT intensive courses) • To provide knowledge, skills and competencies for smart textiles using virtual learning methodologies and tools (R2 virtual training materials and R4 virtual guide on entrepreneurship) • To promote the application of good practices for innovative skills (R5 Handbook of good practices) • To strengthen collaboration between HEIs and companies from advanced textile industry (R1 Need analysis and R3 LTT intensive courses Bootcamp - interaction with companies, Multiplier events)
The motivation for the HACKTEX project comes from the sector of smart textiles, characterized by controlled and advanced functionality and driven by transdisciplinary innovation in several domains. The development of smart textiles must be helped by anticipating and ensuring the cross sectoral knowledge and specialized skills that respond to the transition toward Industry 4.0 principles, especially digitization and add the entrepreneurial dimension that is essential in bringing research to the industry and unlock the innovation potential of advanced textiles. The project addresses the need for engineering training dedicated to smart textiles, currently insufficiently addressed by the academic textile programs, and digital skills by proposing virtual educational tools that can be used by students interested in the topics and a methodology of translating the acquired knowledge into practical ideas and creating an environment facilitating innovative partnerships that can evolve into applied research projects. These virtual tools are combined with the need for entrepreneurial education tailored for the sector, to ensure the understanding of developing a business model and the transition of innovation towards the market.