The Textiles and Clothing Industry and Economic Development: A Global Perspective

In recent decades, the major changes in the pattern of production and in the nature of competition have altered the competitive environment for firms and farms in both developed and developing countries. These have particular significance for competitiveness in traditional industries with a potential for export. Since the 1970s, production has become increasingly more knowledge-intensive as investments in intangibles such as knowledge of soils and farming techniques, research and development including the production of software and the application of biotechnology, design capabilities, engineering skills, training, monitoring, marketing and management have come to play a greater role in the production of goods and services. Much of this involves tacit rather than codified knowledge and mastery requires a conscious effort at learning by doing, by using, and by interacting.