Tèxtils.CAT is proud to announce the success of its recent European event, “Textile Talent & Innovation: Driving Tomorrow’s Industry,” held on June 26th in Terrassa. The event, which brought together over 50 key stakeholders from across Europe, underscored the critical importance of fostering talent, promoting innovation, and providing robust support for SMEs within the dynamic textile sector.
The successful organization of this highly strategic event highlights Tèxtils.CAT’s pivotal role as coordinator of two impactful European projects: ADDTEX and xBUILD-EU. These initiatives wer designed to boster the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the European textile industry by addressing key challenges in skills development, digitalization, green transition, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
The event provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, featuring:
- Inspiring “Cascade Funding” testimonials from xBUILD-EU, showcasing how direct financial support has enabled SMEs like Tèxtil Tapias, Finsa – Job Group, Medicare System, to develop innovative solutions and drive green and digital transitions.
- Showcase of innovative collaboration approaches between industry and academia, featuring insights from the cluster members LIASA – La Industrial Algodonera and Sensing Tex, highlighting successful partnerships in innovation and skills development.
- Insightful discussions on “New Generations in the Labour Market,” with Pere Ejarque from CECOT highlighting crucial generational and cultural differences impacting workforce development.
- A forward-looking “Future Vision by youth and SMEs” round table, moderated by Mònica Ardanuy, professor at UPC, featuring emerging talents (students from UPC, University of Boras and University of Florence) and industry leaders such as Hilados Egarfil and Texfire Technical Fabrics, who shared their perspectives on the future of textiles.
- A dynamic “Speed Dating ‘Talent meets Industry'” session, fostering direct connections between aspiring professionals and leading companies in the sector.
- Valuable perspectives from Textile ETP on new opportunities for talent, innovation, and circular economy within textiles, as well as featuring the new Horizon Partnership solely dedicated to textile industry: “Textiles of the Future”.
As coordinator of both ADDTEX and xBUILD-EU projects, Tèxtils.CAT is strategically positioned to drive these initiatives, ensuring that SMEs in the advanced textile materials sector are equipped with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The overwhelming participation from across Europe demonstrates the shared vision for a more sustainable, digital, and competitive textile sector.
The discussions and connections forged during the event are expected to further accelerate the adoption of green and digital solutions, enhance workforce skills, and strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration, all vital for the long-term success of the European textile industry.
