The result of this stage is materialized through a document entitled “Analysis of the innovation potential of the Transylvania Textile & Fashion cluster”.

Analysis of the innovation potential of the Transylvania Textile & Fashion cluster:

At the national level, one of the weaknesses of the light industry is the dependence on the lohn system, which has led to the loss of expertise in own design and reduced value added of finished products, and as a threat we mention the aggressive competition of products from Asia and Europe (in fashion segment). Precisely because of this, two factories were closed in the county. Transylvania Textile & Fashion considers that maintaining the Romanian producers on the market depends on their ability to introduce product innovation and enter new market segments.

Also, integrated production, creation and own brand, innovation in finishing, are new production paradigms towards which companies are heading to reposition themselves on a moving market. The smart development of light industry in the Central Region in the next period must consider a strategic reorientation by shifting the focus from high-volume and low value-added production to innovation-based production and at the same time stimulate the development of design and development activities. i design and use of new textiles. The solid tradition and knowledge gained in the field as well as the high quality of the products are the strengths of the regional textile industry, these strengths can be doubled by a much better use of creative resources and untapped potential in this field. The better organization of the economic actors, including through the formation and development of clusters in this field, would favor the transition to a higher quality stage and would allow the maintenance of the textile, clothing and leather industry among the competitive sectors of the Central Region. Taking all this into account, Transylvania Textile & Fashion Cluster encourages the companies in the cluster to take into account the principles of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals in creating their products. The concept of circular economy applies to circular systems, rich in feedback. Instead of throwing away the products, components and materials they manufacture, we redirect them to the right supply chains creating a balanced economy with nature. Finally, we keep the products and materials used as much as possible and design the waste. The circular model is restored and regenerated by design and aims to keep products, components and materials at the highest utility and value at all times. The Sustainable Development Goals oblige each country to take a series of actions that will not only address the root causes of poverty, but also increase economic growth and prosperity, as well as meet social, health and education needs while protecting the environment.

Preliminary strategic agenda:

A study was conducted to establish the RDI objectives to the development and production of the technologies / products / services concerned and to be developed within the cluster. This study was conducted based on the analysis of the sources and opportunities for innovation identified within the Transylvania Textile & Fashion Cluster AND THEIR CONCLUSIONS of the RDI and Internationalization Working Groups. In view of the elaboration of the RDI strategic agenda, the following topics were discussed during the seminar:

1. Modalities and methods for the transition from a linear to a circular economy in the textile and clothing industry, Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030

2. Identification of innovation needs in the Transylvania Textile & Fashion cluster

3. Inter-cluster relations, cross-sectoral cooperation

Creation of the RDI Working Group:

The Working Group for Research, Development and Innovation, hereinafter referred to as RDI Working Group, is the main specialized advisory body, without legal personality, which operates within the Transylvania Textile & Fashion cluster. RDI Working Group has the mission to provide specialized scientific support in the elaboration of a draft of the final strategic agenda including the main categories of products / technologies / services / processes to be developed in part at the cluster level.

To this end, RDI Working Group carries out:

Analysis of product / technology / service / process categories, inclusiv of their main characteristics, offered by competing companies)

Analysis of innovation opportunities for the creation of products / services / technologies / processes within the cluster, as well as positioning in relation to competition.