As part of its ongoing Textile ETP on Tour initiative, Textile ETP visited Enschede in the Netherlands, a city with a long textile heritage that has evolved into a centre for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies. The visit brought together industry representatives, researchers, and ecosystem stakeholders to explore how historical textile expertise is being combined with research, digitalisation, and technological innovation to support the future development of the sector.

During the tour, participants visited key organisations and facilities involved in textile research, innovation, and business development. Discussions focused on the role of digital technologies, advanced materials, smart manufacturing, and knowledge transfer in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the European textile ecosystem. The programme also highlighted collaboration between industry, research institutions, and innovation hubs, demonstrating how regional ecosystems can support the development and adoption of new technologies across textile value chains. Through site visits and exchanges with local stakeholders, attendees gained insights into how Enschede continues to build on its textile heritage while positioning itself as a hub for future-oriented textile innovation.

The visit forms part of Textile ETP’s broader effort to showcase regional centres of excellence across Europe and promote knowledge sharing between textile stakeholders. By highlighting successful examples of innovation and digital transformation, the initiative aims to support collaboration and accelerate the sector’s transition towards a more sustainable, competitive, and technology-driven future. 
For more information regarding the visit the readers can refer to the entire news article of Textile ETP’s website.