TEX-MED ALLIANCES, whose the Lead Beneficiary is the Spanish Textile Industry Confederation, aims to boost the textile sector, which has changed dramatically during the last decades. Advanced countries have brought in high performance and high added-value technologies while emerging countries, mainly from Asia, have sharply reduced the costs putting insane pressure on Mediterranean traditional clothing SMEs. In contrast, the Mediterranean textile sector has traditionally been a weak innovation performer. TEX-MED ALLIANCES aims at reducing that persistent innovation gap. To do that, the project proposes an innovative approach based on the development of two types of initiatives: cross-border initiatives identified and promoted by the project partners and cross-border project ideas/proposals arising directly from MSMEs. Together, these actions will put innovation at the core of the sector. Eventually, TEX-MED ALLIANCES will help textile and clothing MSMEs expand internationally inside and outside the Mediterranean area, fostering job creation and technological upgrading.

What will be improved?

Thanks to the project, concerned MSMEs from the Mediterranean textile and clothing industry will acquire updated knowledge and technical skills in the modest fashion segment, smart textiles and digital printing, enhancing innovation, competitiveness and capacities to reach new markets. Solutions to foster more sustainability in the textile sector, based on a circular economy perspective, will be investigated and implemented. The ultimate ambition of the project is to turn the Mediterranean textile sector into an Industry 4.0, contributing to the re-orientation of the sector towards innovative productions and new business models.

Who will benefit?

• Textile and clothing MSMEs and manufacturers;
• Suppliers such as those of raw materials, machinery, software, specialized services (R&D centres, logistics);
• Professionals (designers, stylists, technicians, etc.);
• Wholesalers, distribution chains, retailers.

Expected achievements

• 31 support initiatives for the internationalization, innovation and technology upgrading and circular economy in the textile/clothing industry;
• 34 MSMEs participating in key business events and internationalization/innovations fairs;
• 1 open forum on circular economy to share best practices in the textile/clothing industry;
• 4 business to business events gathering at least 123 MSMEs;
• 22 MSMEs participating in new Euro-Mediterranean business alliances and partnerships.

Partner: Spanish Textile Industry Confederation; INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN TUSCANY; Hellenic Fashion Industry Association; Textile Technical Centre; Monastir-El Fejja Competitiveness Pole; German Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce; AMMAN CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY; Palestinian Federation of Industries.

Budget: 2.8 million €

Start date: 01 September 2019 - Ending date: 31 August 2022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tex-Med-Alliances-100910038198247
Website: http://www.enicbcmed.eu/projects/tex-med-alliances