On March 31, 2022, a second round table is held under the theme : “Textile Innovation Centers : Entrepreneurial Opportunities, Technology Transfer and Innovation“. This meeting organized by the Tunisian Association of Textile Researchers (ATCTex) in collaboration with MFCPole, is made in the presence of 41 participants : 27 academics (directors, director of studies, directors of departments, directors of laboratories, etc.), 8 industrial and 6 support structures ; in the presence of the genral directors from the Ministry of Industry and SMEs and of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

By way of this meeting, the main points discussed in the first round table were recalled, a SWOT analysis on the textile sector (presented by FTTH) and another on education and research (presented by LGTex).

During the discussion, several points are raised:

– The role of the Textile Innovation Centers and their contribution in the textile value chain (in harmony with other existing structures).

– How to guarantee the sustainability of these centers: cover expenses, renewal of equipments, evolution (based on similar experiences)

– Work further on the networking of the various stakeholders in the textile value chain for more performance (« Academia Textile Industy Council » programmed as part of the WINTEX project is one of the solutions)

The event was a success and resulted a good way to discuss about the strengths and opportunities for the textile sector in Tunisia and how to tackle challenges within the new capacity building environment.