Development digital skills for sustainable fashion design projects: a case study of Portuguese brand

Abstract

Digital transformation is reshaping the textile and clothing sector, requiring greater competitiveness and the implementation of sustainable practices (Pereira et al., 2025). Ongoing technological and organizational change demands professionals with specific skills, as digital solutions increasingly influence the value chain and reshape traditional processes (Nafz et al., 2022). Digitalization also supports sustainability and circularity (Wiegand & Wynn, 2024; 2025), requiring professionals able to interpret complex information, adapt to change, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and generate innovative solutions. In this context, Problem-Based Learning (PBL) emerges as an effective strategy for developing these skills in the textile and apparel industry, focusing learning on students and on solving real problems. Collaborating with industry helps students understand production complexity and respond to concrete sector problems.This research analyses the use of PBL in developing digital and sustainability skills through a challenge conducted with a Portuguese brand, discussing its contribution as a pedagogical tool for solving complex problems and integrating digital technologies and sustainability criteria into production. PBL develops knowledge, skills, and attitudes through practical, real-world experiences (Guo et al., 2020). Results show that student involvement in real challenges increases commitment to the work. The challenge proved decisive in fostering active participation and deepening digital and sustainability skills. The experience highlighted the value of academia-industry collaboration, aligning learning with sector requirements. Facing a real challenge gave students direct contact with the sector and clearer understanding of future skills needs. Interaction with the company required confronting technical constraints, reinforcing practical application of knowledge and skill consolidation.

Keywords: Green Skills, Digital Skills, Sustainable Fashion Education, Ecodesign, Digitalization

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008228