Working in the Textile Sector in Europe. What Kind of Education?
Interview with Stefano Dotti and Paolo Gaiardelli, respectively Scientific Coordinator and Director of the Master in Technologies and Processes of the Textile Supply Chain at the University of Bergamo
How does the Master’s in Textile Supply Chain Technologies and Processes at the University of Bergamo work, and what are its characteristics? This advanced course serves as a benchmark for high-level textile education in Italy.
The first-level Master’s in Textile Supply Chain Technologies and Processes at the University of Bergamo, now in its tenth edition, stands out in the Italian academic landscape as a unique advanced program. It serves as a key reference for high-level technical and managerial training in the textile sector. Developed to meet the concrete needs of businesses, this Master’s aims to train professionals who can operate across the entire textile supply chain, combining technological, managerial, and organizational skills. It offers a broad and comprehensive education, covering everything from fibers to finished garments and includes subjects such as textile chemistry, design, product industrialization, marketing, quality and sustainability management, business and operations management.
This wide-ranging curriculum is delivered by a mix of faculty from the University of Bergamo and professionals, consultants, and experts from the textile industry, ensuring a strong and constant connection between academic theory and industrial practice. The educational structure is based on an integrated path that provides both a solid foundational training—to align the knowledge of participants from diverse backgrounds—and specialized instruction to consolidate advanced technical skills.
A distinctive feature of the Master’s program is its experiential approach: each edition includes over 25 company visits, allowing participants to directly engage with the industrial world and observe the production processes and business strategies of some of the sector’s top players. The program, which grants 60 university credits and is aimed at individuals with at least a three-year undergraduate degree, spans approximately 18 months and includes 360 hours of classroom instruction, as well as a final project carried out in collaboration with companies in the sector. Auditors without a degree may also attend.
What major challenges are European textile companies currently facing? And what skills are needed to navigate a complex environment like today’s?
European textile companies are undergoing a profound transformation, facing complex challenges that require swift, competent, and strategic responses. Global competition – especially from countries with lower production costs – puts significant pressure on margins and competitiveness.
At the same time, market expectations and regulations concerning environmental sustainability and social responsibility are growing, demanding a rethinking of production processes in ethical and green terms. Added to this is the need to accelerate digitalization by adopting advanced technologies to innovate products, processes, and business models. Finally, the increasing complexity of the global supply chain – subject to risks and disruptions – demands more agile and efficient management.
In this ever-evolving scenario, it is essential to invest in both cross-functional and specialized skills that enable companies to face change and seize new opportunities. Mastery of textile technologies and digital innovation is crucial, as is understanding the principles of environmental sustainability, corporate ethics, and operational efficiency. In addition, the ability to interpret data, make evidence-based decisions, and communicate effectively is key to strengthening a brand’s position in the global market. But in such a dynamic context, it’s also vital to develop an overarching vision that integrates technical, managerial, and strategic aspects coherently.
This requires soft skills such as problem-solving, flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to and lead change. The Master’s in Textile Supply Chain Technologies and Processes at the University of Bergamo is aligned with this direction, providing an advanced educational path that, thanks to the integration of theory and practice, a strong industry connection, and a multidisciplinary approach, prepares professionals to confidently and competently face ongoing transformations.
To what extent can the textile production sector in Europe today be attractive to young people deciding on their career paths? How can textile companies attract young talent, both in production and in commercial or marketing roles?
Absolutely, the textile production sector in Europe today offers a concrete and stimulating opportunity for young people choosing their professional future. Although rooted in a strong manufacturing and cultural tradition, the sector is undergoing significant transformation thanks to advanced technologies, growing attention to sustainability, and evolving organizational and communication models. This makes the work environment more modern, dynamic, and aligned with the values of new generations.
To attract young talent, textile companies need to communicate this transformation clearly, highlighting their commitment to innovation, environmental and social responsibility, digitalization, and the opportunity to contribute to positive change.
Investing in training programs, internships, and professional growth, promoting inclusive and stimulating environments, effectively using digital channels, and actively involving young people in decision-making and innovation projects can make the textile sector not only attractive, but also a field in which to build a solid, creative, and fulfilling professional future.
How important is the collaboration between the textile industry and the academic world, and what form can it take?
Our academic experience has taught us that collaboration between industry and academia is essential to support innovation, competitiveness, and growth in any industrial sector, particularly in textiles, where tradition, creativity, and technological research uniquely intertwine. This synergy not only helps train the professionals of tomorrow, but also strengthens the competitiveness of Made in Italy by promoting a shared culture of innovation, quality, and sustainability.
This collaboration can take various forms, ranging from applied research projects and the creation of joint laboratories to participation in national and European calls for funding innovative initiatives. Working together on specific technological, production, or organizational needs enables the translation of research into concrete solutions, accelerating the digital and ecological transformation of the supply chain.
Alongside research, training also plays a key role. Through the development of continuous and customized training programs for company staff, the link between academia and industry is reinforced with programs that directly address the sector’s needs. Coaching activities, tailored courses, and professional development help companies acquire up-to-date skills, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and operational application. At the same time, constant interaction with the production world provides academic research with new stimuli, real-world case studies, and concrete data for knowledge-building, fostering a more dynamic knowledge growth that responds to emerging needs and changes in the sector.
Co-design and synergy are thus the foundation of mutual growth, where industrial innovation and the advancement of knowledge feed into each other.
Only by integrating theory and practice and collaborating from the very beginning of educational and research goal-setting can we build an ecosystem where innovation and education evolve together. A concrete example of this approach is the Master’s in Textile Supply Chain Technologies and Processes, which, thanks to the involvement of companies, trade associations, and industry bodies, offers a highly practical training path. The content is defined by a joint academic-business committee, and the teaching systematically integrates hands-on experience with theoretical sessions, making experiential learning the key to training professionals who are hard to find on the job market.