European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing William H. Lakin Member of the ETP Governing Council Director General of Euratex 2 nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar 9 June 2005, Brussels

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing 2nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar, 9 June 2005, Brussels EU-25 Textile-Clothing Key Figures Turnover billions € 213 Employment 1000 pers Added Value billions € 61 Extra-EU* Export billions € 40 Companies170,000 Employee/Company15 * EU-15, data 2003

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing 2nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar, 9 June 2005, Brussels October 2003 EC Communication: Textile & Clothing Industry - key industrial sector for enlarged European Union (4% of industrial output, 8% of industrial Employment in EU-25) T/C High Level Group (since March 2004) – holistic approach to long-term industry transformation & competitiveness (R&D, innovation, education, IPR protection, legislative framework, trade…) Major R&D recommendation: Set-up of European Technology Platform to fight research fragmentation in Europe and to develop a long-term research & innovation agenda for the sector October 2004: EC Communication in response to HLG recommendations – Favourable view on establishment of Textile Technology Platform Rationale & Background of the European Technology Platform

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing 2nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar, 9 June 2005, Brussels From HLG Recommendation to Platform Launch June 2004: HLG Recommendation for ETP set-up August 2004: first ETP draft (Euratex) September 2004: consultation and approval by industrial and scientific community October 2004: revised ETP & Vision document draft, start collection of input/ideas for expert group November 2004: publication ETP vision document December 2004: launch event in Brussels

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing 2nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar, 9 June 2005, Brussels Political Mirror Group EC & Member States

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing 2nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar, 9 June 2005, Brussels Involvement of Industry Governing Council (12 out of 15 members are direct company representatives, industry chairperson & vice-chairperson, 33% rotation every 2 years) Industry participation at Thematic Expert Group level Important relay function of national and regional industry structures (federations, industry research councils, national/regional platforms) Link of ETP events with important industry events (Fairs, federation assemblies, established industry conferences)

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing 2nd EC Technology Platforms Seminar, 9 June 2005, Brussels Involvement of other Stakeholders SME’s: main constituents of our industry, ETP vision fully supports SME structure (specialties, new niche applications, customisation), represented in all bodies of the ETP, reached through collective structures, favoured in implementation phase (Collective Research, SME-IP’s) Public Authorities: continuation of established HLG collaboration (EU, national, regional), intensive exchange with national/regional platforms, active involvement in horizontal task groups (education, financing, innovation) Third countries: Europe is textile innovation leader, Pan-Euro-Med partners involvement

European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing Thank you for your attention