In late November, ten speakers filled the one-day event with interesting talks on current topics regarding mobility, health & safety and environment & construction. They also answered pressing questions relating to the industry’s prospects in Europe as well as international markets such as Asia and Africa. Generous networking breaks between the talks added value to the event, enabling the 90 participants to connect with other attendees or ask the speakers questions. The event closed with a keynote on “frugal innovations”, followed by a panel discussion about “innovations for emerging markets”.

All speakers agreed that digital technologies such as printing techniques, IoT and smart textiles are opening up new opportunities and fields of business. There was also general consensus that competitors such as China and India are by no means resting on their laurels, and that they remain important markets, now and in the future. A short analysis of the situation in Africa showed that the continent will soon play a greater role in the global fashion supply chain and that it is currently experiencing fast industrialisation. Demographic change, urbanisation, shifts in economic power and global developments are promoting the further growth of Africa's economies. The Bayern Innovativ event in Nuremberg, developed and organised in cooperation with the Bavarian textiles and clothing industry association (Verband der Bayerischen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie), showed that textiles are an important part of sustainable and innovative concepts, both for tomorrow’s cities and many areas of our daily lives. With so much potential on the horizon, the event closed with a resolution: “Let’s make the most of it”!