While the last 10 years in the aftermath of the liberalisation of global textile markets in 2004 were characterized by off-shoring of volume textile and clothing production, shrinkage and restructuring of the European manufacturing base and a search for new market niches and business models, the next 10 years will more likely see the re-emergence of European textile leadership.

Digitisation, advanced materials, high-tech processes and new growth markets offer great opportunities for Europe’s textile innovators. Companies that flexibly, yet highly efficiently make customised textile based products smartly linked with value adding services, always close to the customer will conquer global market niches. In addition, textiles will be critical innovation enablers in global growth markets such as affordable, personalised health care, smart wearables for sports and personal protection, light-weight transport systems or flexible and multifunctional construction materials or resource-efficient material solutions for renewable energy generation or agricultural productivity.