An enormous effort aiming at new products and processes is needed. This value added processing must be the result of a true research driven environment, being the last chance for the sector. A consequence of this need for a textile future in Europe is that institutes and universities must develop a new approach. Once an interesting item is detected, the majority of existing research groups claim to work in that area to justify their call for more research money. The result is that countries with still a reasonable textile activity are often competing with each other just to keep the national textile activities as broad as possible.
Financial resources are limited and so is the human potential.
We have to build a single structure to support textiles in Europe. In that structure there is no need for a continuing fragmentation and duplication. Ideally education, research and technology transfer must be seen as a single and common activity to guarantee the best results towards the industry. It stresses the demand for Centres of Excellence having an indisputable international reputation. Innovative academic programmes and research are necessary combined with a strong programme of outreach to the textile industry.