A study by the University of Valencia (UV) reveals that companies in the Valencian textile cluster, which consists mainly of the l’Alcoià and El Comtat districts of Alicante and the Vall d’Albaida district of Valencia, are responding to the pandemic caused by the global epidemic. We beat covid faster and more efficiently than other Spanish textile companies. This study highlights that the most influential location-specific factors in this response are advanced bundling, institutional support and a long-established tradition in technical and home textile production. The study “Coronavirus against the textile industry: group lessons for future challenges”, conducted by doctors Francisco Puig, Santiago Cantarero and Francesco Verdone from the University of Valencia, It was awarded the 2023 Fashion and Textile Best Article Award by the Korean Clothing and Textile Association and the Best Fashion and Textile Article award internationally and was published in the organization’s magazine. The prize recognizes outstanding papers that contribute to theoretical progress in the field of fashion and textiles and facilitate collaborative work, as well as providing interesting data on future challenges.
The aim of the research was to analyze the strategic response of companies belonging to the Valencian textile cluster to the coronavirus crisis and the regional factors influencing this, compared to other regions of the country that did not respond as effectively and jointly. The analysis reveals that the Spanish textile industry responded in a heterogeneous way. At national level, the majority of companies are implementing reduction strategies, while at regional level, in the Valencian Community, Companies and organizations that are part of the Valencia textile cluster have developed innovative strategies that help combat the health crisis..
It should be noted that when the pandemic was announced at the beginning of 2020 and production stopped in Chinese textile companies and other parts of the planet, among many other consequences, global supply chains were depleted in textile materials and essential products. coronavirus. The disruption of the supply chain meant that textile companies had to buy materials from different suppliers located closer together. In a very short time, a shortage of medical supplies in hospitals emerged. Society found itself in a race against time to effectively combat the virus, and amidst all this chaos, “Far from the closure of factories and the halt of production, some textile fields began to carry out intensive and innovative activities“We work together and in solidarity to meet the needs of doctors and nurses who need basic supplies,” he said.
In these moments of complete uncertainty and insecurity, Valencian textile companies reacted by reinventing themselves and investing in very complex moments to respond to society’s demand. While facing supply issues, restrictions and a significant innovative effort, they managed to provide personal protective equipment, masks and all kinds of textile hygiene materials..
Regarding the strategic responses of these textile companies, the study analyzes the speed of rapid identification of the causes and the effectiveness of the implemented interventions, which is very important in times of crisis.
Regarding this organized intervention and shared resources, the study shows that:Deep-rooted tradition in technical home textile production and the organizational model that creates a cluster that provides companies with valuable information and knowledge.” They also underline that there is “rapid solidarity and strong cooperation between all actors in the region (institutions, associations and government), which was echoed in the press.” Among these actors, he points out local and regional governments, research institutes such as AITEX and commercial organizations such as ATEVAL..
Considering the complexity of the current international competitive scenario and the risk of unexpected future events, three key keys can be drawn from the study:
– At a strategic level, the importance of control over the supply and value chain.
– Companies can be provided with knowledge, experience, trust and flexibility regarding competitive and location-specific advantages such as proximity and clustering.
– Strategic value of the textile and ready-made clothing industryespecially for society and economy.
In conclusion, the results of the study highlight the cluster effect and offer lessons that can help manage future unexpected events in a more organized and effective manner.
Textile industry of the Valencian Community
The textile industry of the Valencian Community differs from other parts of Spain because most of the industry is concentrated in a relatively specific geographical area known as the Valencian textile cluster and focuses on home textiles and technical textiles sub-sector (Spain concentrates 33% of production). The cluster hosts approximately 880 companies and directly employs 13,200 people. Together with the textile industry cooperation (ATEVAL) and the research institute (AITEX), two universities and their own textile education studies, it is an area that has a complementary network of support and support for both the university and the business world through Educational Cycles. as well as other institutions.