Textile Sector will Increase Both Efficiency and R&D by “Clustering”
Within the scope of the “Clustering Support Program” of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, efforts have intensified both to ensure the green transformation of companies in the textile sector and to increase their compliance with the EU Green Deal and carbon regulation at the border.
“Green and Digital Textile Ecosystem Cluster” is being established in order to create circular economy cooperation in the textile sector, strengthen cooperation in the field of R&D, make production more efficient, and ensure access to competitive markets. While the first studies on the cluster supported by the Ministry of Industry and Technology are carried out by the technology transfer offices of Istanbul and Uludağ universities, textile exporters also contribute to the studies.
As an important complement to this process, it is aimed to increasing the competitiveness and efficiency of the sector by supporting digital and lean transformations and gaining a larger share of world exports. The risks awaiting the textile industry include changing perceptions such as customer awareness, expectations and demands shifting towards sustainable products, regulatory requirements and increasing taxes and fines, export barriers, and competitiveness. Waste, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution are also at high levels in the textile industry, where high water, energy and chemical consumption are realized. All of these need to be reduced to transform the sector.
Structure to bring all representatives together
A “Green and Digital Textile Ecosystem Cluster” is being formed in the sector in order to solve all of these problems and increase productivity and R&D. The first studies on clustering were carried out by the technology transfer offices of Istanbul and Uludağ universities. Textile exporters also support the preparatory work for clustering. In this context, evaluations were received from companies for the cluster structure through information surveys and a call was made on the subject.
With this cluster, it aims to create an “integrator” structure that will bring together stakeholders such as textile companies, non-governmental organizations and umbrella institutions that bring them together, universities, centers, start-ups and consultants, services and technology for green and digital transformation, various institutions and organizations in this field that can provide products.
The clustering aims to provide stakeholders with a portfolio of services such as training, awareness and information that the industry needs, to bring together stakeholders who will cooperate for joint development, to accelerate the cooperation process between companies and public-academia-NGOs, to strengthen the productivity and innovation capacity of companies, to increase their competitiveness in national and international markets by contributing to the creation of value in the field of technical textiles and to increase their compliance with the EU Green Deal.
Clustering support from the Ministry
Clustering activities are supported by the program of the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Within the scope of the Cluster Support Program implemented this year, support is provided in various areas including common cluster branding, lobbying and promotion, investment promotion, market
development, machinery, equipment and software procurement, personnel, building, maintenance and repair, customs and transportation. The support rate reaches up to 70 percent of the budget. Domestic machinery and equipment support reaches 85 percent. The support provided for 5 years can be extended for 2 more years with the decision of the Ministry.
The cluster is expected to provide a qualified workforce and high quality production opportunities through training and consultancy activities, while increasing the number of new businesses and initiatives and facilitating the utilization of various incentives. The cluster is also expected to contribute to SMEs, start-ups, product and service providers, public institutions, umbrella structures and universities.