European Textile Research: Competitiveness Through Innovation

J. IIONEYMAN The second textile and clothing research and development programme (1982-1985) supported by the EEC was undertaken with the prime objective of strengthening the competitiveness of the Community textile industries by stimulating innovation. From the generation of the research ideas through to the application of new technologies, the optimum conditions for scientific research demand highly trained and qualified people working in well-equipped laboratories. The Commission, in collaboration with the textile industries working through Comitextil, participated in the selection of suitable topics and supported the implementation of the programme and the publication and dissemination of the results. In all, 24 institutes in seven member countries carried out the programme which was divided into 35 separate but co-ordinated contracts. The costs were shared equally between the Commission and the participat ing institutes. The results were presented by selected specialists at the closing symposium held in Luxembourg on the 18 and 19 September 1985. The technical sessions covered the four topics : garment physiology and construction, quality of knitted fabrics and articles, application of new spinning technologies in the wool industry, and the upgrading of linen. In addition, prominent industrialists and Commission officials presented papers concerned with the present situation and the prospects for textile manufacture in the Community. Possible future research topics were outlined and the need was stressed for an increase in the amount of research and development to be carried out.