1. D. Hendriks Chairman Governing Council ETP Textiles & Clothing Ljubljana, 28th of September 2006

2. Macro economic context European Union – ETP for Textiles & Clothing Vision 2020: Textile innovation for a better Europe Research Priorities: Strategic Research Agenda Other Issues Conclusion Contents

3. World Economy Growth Textile Industry 4 – 5% Fossil Fuel resources exhausted in 20 – 30 years Cheap unskilled labour in Asian & S. American countries will remain coming decade Increasing awareness pollution & environment Etc. Effects EU Textile Industry Ongoing (global) price increase –natural and man-made fibres –Dyes & chemicals –Energy Ongoing imports from fabrics & garments mainly propelled by garment – industry Clean Manufacturing Industry driven by substantial environmental costs Macro - Economics

4. European Union EU growth below expected & agreed path (Lisbon agreement 2000) Political will to stimulate knowledge –intensive industries; available R&D budget for coming 7 years approx. 50 blln. € across all industries (7th framework program) Around 28 platforms established now, many with a “Strategic Research Agenda” (SRA). The SRA’s need to match the 7th framework program EU commission stimulates cross-sectoral projects !!!! European Union

5. European Textile & Clothing Major industrial sector –Turnover > 200 blln. €, 2.3 mlln. Employees (7% EU industrial workforce) Leadership in innovation, regular first mover in technology implementation Long term trends: –from commodity to specialty –textiles as materials of choice (new applications) –mass customisation

6. European Technology Platform Industry-led initiative launched in 2004 Mission: ensure long-term competitiveness EU Textile Industry Key-objectives: –Establishment effective EU-wide expert network –Development Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) –Implementing the SRA (e.g. Projects, financials) First ETP conference: Brussels 7th and 8th of June

7. ETP Structure

8. 1) Safe and comfortable environment around us Vision 2020 Textile Innovation for a better Europe

9. 2) Effective protection & health care for EU citizens Vision 2020 Textile Innovation for a better Europe

10. 3) Innovative mobility, transport & energy solutions Vision 2020 Textile Innovation for a better Europe

11. 4) efficient use of natural resources & protection environment Vision 2020 Textile Innovation for a better Europe

12. 5) Extending Europe’s creative and innovative leadership Vision 2020 Textile Innovation for a better Europe

13. Long Term Trends From commodities To specialties Textiles as material Of choice Mass customisation

14. Long Term Trends From commodities to specialties New specialty fibres & fibre composites Functionalisation of textiles Biomaterials & Biotechnologies Research priorities

15. Long Term Trends Textiles as material of choice Research priorities New products for Human performance New products for Technical applications Smart Textiles & Clothing

16. Long Term Trends Mass customisation Research priorities Clothing fashion New design, concepts &technologies Life cycle & total quality concepts

17. Next steps Implementing the SRA –Create R & D projects for technology breakthroughs –Expand expert networks –Bring results to industry (& market) Horizontal issues –Education –Standardisation –Financing Innovation –Innovation Management

18. Bright future for EU textiles if entrepeneurship is linked with the SRA The platform is an excellent tool to promote the innovative profile of the industry Strengthen industry leadership of the platform through more company participation Make a start by joining our network and......... European support of the platform Conclusion

19. The Future is......Textiles !

20. D. Hendriks Chairman Governing Council ETP Textiles & Clothing Brussles, 8th of June 2006