Boosting the research capacity of Croatia's textile sector
The EU-funded T-POT (Unlocking the Croatian textile research potentials) project brought focus to many related themes. It sought to establish the University as a major component in the national innovation system. Focusing primarily on the Textile Scientific Research Centre (TSRC) based at the University, T-POT procured or upgraded research equipment and set up new laboratories. T-POT successfully developed strategic partnerships between research groups and industry to transfer know-how and further strengthen cooperation with the industrial sector mainly through joint projects. Young and experienced scientists were recruited and hosted, and secondments and mentoring schemes were implemented. This promoted the transfer of knowledge and further reinforced partnerships with other European researchers. It also resulted directly in the heightened involvement of all Croatian textile industries at the European level. T-POT served as an instrument for the inclusion of Croatian textile entities in the European Research Area (ERA). Membership provides a number of benefits in that scientific know-how and technology are freely accessible to all. Dissemination of scientific information and research results was primarily carried out through the TSRC portal. The dedicated site monitors the research and development outcomes of the textile and clothing industry. A series of workshops and conferences were organised to further disseminate information and outcomes as well as contribute to spreading excellence. Several training activities helped establish a core group of well-trained researchers and the permanent adoption of new knowledge and skills. By enhancing research infrastructure and attracting top scientists to the country, T-POT helped put the TTF on the European research map.
Keywords
Textile industry, textile technology, textile research, national innovation system, scientific research
