A University of Valencia study reveals how companies within the Valencian textile cluster, centered in the l’Alcoià and El Comtat districts of Alicante and the Vall d’Albaida district of Valencia, responded to the global pandemic. The findings show a faster and more efficient recovery from covid compared to other Spanish textile firms. The research identifies location-specific strengths such as advanced bundling, strong institutional support, and a long-standing tradition in technical and home textiles that powered resilience. The study, titled Coronavirus against the textile industry: group lessons for future challenges, was conducted by Francisco Puig, Santiago Cantarero, and Francesco Verdone of the University of Valencia. It earned the 2023 Fashion and Textile Best Article Award from the Korean Clothing and Textile Association and received international recognition for contributing to theoretical progress in fashion and textiles while highlighting data on future challenges. These insights underscore how regional collaboration can shape responses to global health crises.
The project aimed to analyze how Valencian textile cluster firms strategically navigated the coronavirus crisis and the regional factors driving their approach, contrasted with other Spanish regions that did not coordinate as effectively. The research found that national responses varied widely, with many companies pursuing reductions, while within the Valencian Community a network of Valencia textile cluster participants developed innovative, collaborative strategies that helped address health-related needs. This regional coordination appears to have amplified the sector’s agility during the crisis.
At the onset of 2020, when the pandemic emerged and production halted in China and elsewhere, global supply chains for textile materials were disrupted. This forced nearby sourcing and accelerated shortages of hospital medical supplies. Yet in the midst of upheaval, many textile actors chose to keep factories open and to pursue rapid, inventive solutions. They joined forces to deliver essential items for doctors and nurses, including basic materials and protective gear, highlighting a communal commitment to public health.
In these uncertain months, Valencian textile firms reinvented themselves, investing in advanced capabilities to meet society’s demands. Despite supply constraints and restrictive environments, they produced personal protective equipment, masks, and a range of textile hygiene products, reinforcing the sector’s social responsibility and economic relevance.
The low price set for masks will prevent more companies from participating in production
The study examines how quickly firms identified causes and evaluated the effectiveness of interventions, a critical factor during a health crisis. It highlights how organized intervention and shared resources facilitated faster, coordinated action across the region.
The analysis emphasizes a deep-rooted tradition in technical home textiles and the cluster model as a hub for information and knowledge sharing. It notes rapid solidarity and strong cooperation among regional players, including institutions, associations, and government, with press coverage reflecting this collaboration. Key participants include local and regional governments, research bodies such as AITEX, and industry groups like ATEVAL.
Looking ahead to the unpredictable global market, the study distills three strategic takeaways. First, maintaining control over supply chains and value networks is essential. Second, organizations benefit from shared knowledge, trust, and flexibility tied to proximity and clustering advantages. Third, the textile and ready-made clothing industry holds substantial strategic value for society and the economy, particularly in times of disruption. The overall message highlights the cluster effect as a model for better preparedness and coordinated response to future shocks.
The Valencian Community’s textile sector stands out because a large share of activity concentrates in a dedicated cluster that mainly focuses on home textiles and technical fabrics. The region hosts around 880 companies and employs about 13,200 people directly. Working in concert with ATEVAL, AITEX, and nearby universities and textile education programs, the network sustains a robust ecosystem of university–industry collaboration and ongoing support through educational and industry channels.