This document lists relevant sources of information on the European textiles and clothing sector, including access to the websites and documents mentioned.
• Bocconi University, ESSEC Business School and Baker & McKenzie, Business relations in the EU clothing chain: from industry to retail and distribution, 2007
This report provides an analysis of potential competition concerns in the clothing sector (manufacturing, distribution and retail), identifying any adverse effects generated by unfair practices of producers or retailers on each other and on consumers. It also aims to raise the awareness of public authorities about existing problems where further action might be required, highlighting best practice examples and potential solutions.
• Wilson, R., K. Homenidou, K. and Dickerson, A., Working futures 2004-2014, sectoral report, 2006
Working futures 2004-2014 presents detailed and comprehensive employment projections by sector and region for the UK for the 10-year period 2004 to 2014. The report contains a dedicated section on the apparel, footwear and textile industry. It describes the structure and composition of total employment in the UK over the last 20 years and reports estimates for the overall changes in employment during the next decade. Its projections include estimates of the scale of ‘replacement demand’ which takes into account the need to replace those who will leave their jobs because of retirement or other reasons.
• European Apparel and Textile Organisation – Euratex
Euratex is the voice of the European textile and clothing industry. Its main objective is to create an environment within the European Union which is conducive to the manufacture of textile and clothing products, and promote the interests of its members while taking into account the EU institutional framework and its international obligations. This portal provides access to data, information on key issues and policies, social dialogue and a range of relevant position papers on international trade negotiations and the introduction of new regulations.
• European Commission – DG Enterprise
This website provides access to extensive statistical information and analysis of developments in the European textiles and clothing sector. Its contents include coverage of the high-level group on textiles and clothing and the sectoral dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region, as well as up-to-date statistics, policy documents and studies. It is a key source for information on developments, policies and the debate on the future of the European textiles and clothing sector.
• European Commission, European sector innovation scoreboards, 2005
European sector innovation scoreboards provides a first step in the analysis of the innovation performance of European countries at the lowest level of sector aggregation possible. The report compares the innovation potential of European countries and sectors, based on 12 indicators, including share of employees with higher education, share of companies that use training, R&D expenditure, etc. The scoreboard makes it possible for policymakers and stakeholders to identify good practice in terms of innovation and thus stimulate debate on how to best strengthen the competitiveness of the European textiles and clothing sector.
• European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing, A vision for 2020, 2004
The European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing is a stakeholder forum that brings together the European textile and clothing industry, the research and education community, representatives of related industrial sectors and scientific disciplines as well as public authorities. Its aim is to develop and implement long-term industry visions and a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) to improve innovation, competitiveness and growth potential for the sector. This report provides a brief overview of the European textiles and clothing sector, discussion of key issues relating to research and innovation in the sector, as well as presenting the objectives, structure and strategic approach of the platform.
• Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry – Directorate-General for Entreprise (DGE) and UBIFRANCE (French agency for international business development), Technical textiles: The future is being woven in France, 2006
This report provides an introduction to application areas for technical textiles and key strengths of the French technical textiles sector. The report covers a range of application areas such as personal protection, increasing sporting performances, construction, transportation (from high-speed train (TGV) and Airbus airplanes to the Ariane space-rocket), agriculture and industrial processes. It also contains a dedicated section on initiatives in the field of education, research and innovation.
• OECD, A new world map in textiles and clothing: Adjusting to change, 2004
This report focuses on the adjustment challenges facing the textile and clothing industries across the globe, and reviews the most recent market developments throughout the entire supply chain. It examines the policy challenges in the fields of trade, labour adjustment, technology and innovation, and other regulatory dimensions that are important determinants of a country’s drive towards global integration. It is a key document for understanding the global economic changes and the key challenges that the European textiles and clothing sector is facing in an increasingly competitive global market.
• OECD, Moving up the value chain: Staying competitive in the global economy, 2007
This review brings together OECD data on the globalisation of value chains, including the rise of outsourcing/offshoring. It first examines how OECD countries are affected by the globalisation of production, on both the macroeconomic and sector-specific levels. The costs and benefits of globalisation are then discussed, with an emphasis on employment and productivity. Finally, this report analyses how globalisation impacts the competitiveness of OECD countries, highlighting the need for an effective innovation strategy.
• World Trade Organisation (WTO)
The WTO has a website dedicated to textiles with a focus on trade liberalisation and the impact of liberalisation on the global textiles sector. The website is a key source for information on global trade in textiles, including analyses of main trends and key issues related to trade in textiles.