The third FITT-NESS newsletter showcases the latest developments in driving innovation in furniture and the home

The European FITT-NESS project (Fostering Innovation & the Twin Transition for iNclusive EnvironmentS and Smart homes), in which CETEM is participating, has published its third newsletter, which outlines the results and progress made during its final phase.

Entitled “From Results to Partnerships: Shaping the Future of the Furniture and Home Furnishings Sector”, this edition brings together the key contributions from an initiative aimed at accelerating the dual digital and green transition of the home furnishings industry, promoting innovation, sustainability and the development of smart and inclusive environments.

One of the key highlights is the publication of the policy recommendations report ‘Creating better places to live, work and grow old’, drawn up to contribute to the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of the furniture sector.

The document sets out proposals relating to industrial digitalisation, the circular economy, product transparency, digital passports and the development of accessible solutions tailored to the needs of an increasingly ageing population.

These recommendations are based on research carried out at European and regional level, 62 responses to questionnaires from stakeholders, and co-creation activities involving 86 participants.

The newsletter also outlines the innovation priorities identified for the various participating ecosystems. In the case of the Region of Murcia, a programme is proposed that focuses on the transformation of SMEs and ageing in one’s own home, linking business innovation with the development of solutions for more accessible living spaces.

The newsletter also provides an overview of the third and final FITT-NESS twinning event, held on 16 and 17 September 2026 in Palermo (Italy) and organised by CEIPES.

During the event, three themed workshops were held on business planning, artificial intelligence applied to marketing, and compliance with environmental regulations. The programme also included visits to two local manufacturers to learn about their production processes and their approaches to sustainability and technological integration.

Another new development is the evolution of the FITT-NESS Matching Tool, an inter-regional digital platform that facilitates contact between companies, research centres, clusters and professionals in the housing sector.

The tool enables users to post collaboration requests, find partners and access specialist services, training resources and funding opportunities.

Although the FITT-NESS project is drawing to a close, the resources developed will remain available to promote knowledge transfer and collaboration between European regions.

The third newsletter provides an overview of these findings and their potential for driving new opportunities for innovation in the furniture and timber sector.

Newsletter: FITT-NESS 3° newsletter_EN