APEC Project Database

Project Title

Improving the efficiency of textile production using smart technology to promote the development of the APEC textile industry

Project Year

2024

Project Number

PPSTI_113_2024A

Project Session

Session 1

Project Type

Standard

Project Status

Project in Implementation

Project No.

PPSTI_113_2024A

Project Title

Improving the efficiency of textile production using smart technology to promote the development of the APEC textile industry

Project Status

Project in Implementation

Fund Account

APEC Support Fund

Sub-fund

ASF: Digital Innovation

Project Year

2024

Project Session

Session 1

APEC Funding

116,000

Co-funding Amount

36,815

Total Project Value

152,815

Sponsoring Forum

APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI)

Topics

Science and Technology; Digital Economy

Committee

SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)

Other Fora Involved

Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved

Proposing Economy(ies)

Chinese Taipei

Co-Sponsoring Economies

Indonesia; Malaysia; Peru; Thailand

Expected Start Date

01/11/2024

Expected Completion Date

31/12/2025

Project Proponent Name 1

Ching-tang Huang

Job Title 1

Director

Organization 1

Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI)

Telephone 1

+886-2 226703211100

Email 1

cthuang.0528@ttri.org.tw

Project Proponent Name 2

Pin-hui Liu

Job Title 2

Associate Engineer

Organization 2

Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI)

Telephone 2

+886-939398497

Email 2

phliu.1495@ttri.org.tw

Declaration

Ching-tang Huang

Project Summary

The textile industry stands as a pillar in the APEC region, accounting for over 60% of global textile exports and employing more than 60 million workers[1]. Due to the long supply chain and complex process, efficiency and quality control are crucial. However, the varying degrees of digitization have led to a lack of real-time and effective communication within the supply chain.

With the dispersed nature of the textile industry supply chain, communication costs across different economies are relatively high. Therefore, this proposal aims to discuss digital integration among textile industry suppliers including through virtual reality applications, edge computing technology, and etc. It is expected to ensure smooth communication between upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, resulting in more than 40% improvement in quality and production efficiency.

The project will enhance collaboration among economies by inviting experts from the public and private sectors to attend smart textile industry forums, advocating "Smart Technology of Textile" solutions and improvement of the overall R&D capabilities of the textile industry.

[1] https://www.ilo.org/asia/media-centre/news/WCMS_848238/lang--en/index.htm

Relevance

Benefits to Region

The textile industry in APEC region, particularly in the South Eastern Asia and South America, plays a key role in the global economy, accounting for more than 60 percent of the world's textile exports and providing employment for more than 60 million workers[1]. The intricate nature of its supply chain requires exceptional levels of efficiency and stringent quality control measures to maintain its global standing and productivity.

The South American textile market is estimated to reach $42.2 billion by 2028. Take Peru as an example, one of the APEC members, being the largest exporter of garments in South America. Driven by growth in export markets, textile manufacturers in South America have begun to focus on technological production innovation and improving production efficiency [2].

However, despite its importance, the textile industry currently faces the challenges of a dispersed supply chain and lots of time-consuming communication between different factories. The uneven pace of digital development exacerbates these challenges also hampers the ability to communicate and coordinate in real time within the supply chain, affecting overall operational efficiency.

To address these challenges, this project will share cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and edge computing to digitally unite suppliers in the textile industry [3]. The aim is to enhance the integration and collaboration between the various parts of the supply chain. It is expected to significantly improve quality and efficiency, with a target increase of over 40%. This digital integration is a step towards revolutionizing the textile industry, aligning it with modern technological advances for a more cohesive and efficient future. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to establish transnational public associations to provide skill training.

Eligibility and Fund Priorities

This project aims to apply for APEC Support Fund (ASF) – Digital Innovation. It meets the eligibility criteria and funding priorities by:

Roadmap – Key areas of focus

This proposal advocates for the implementation of smart manufacturing and cloud applications in the textile industry to enhance development of digital infrastructure and promotion of Interoperability. It suggests the use of edge computing technology to enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce personnel costs. As a result, this proposal aligns with the eligibility criteria of the Digital Innovation Sub-fund and the spirit of the Digital Economy Steering Group Forum.

Framework – Objectives

To enhance the digital infrastructure interchange for resilient supply chains, manufacturing companies are digitizing their supply chain information and records. This proposal not only helps facilitate greater participation of businesses in global commerce from developing economies, but also enhances cooperation between public and private sectors by smart textile industry forums. Further, this plan will help promote development of innovative technologies in all processes of the textile supply chain, such as yarn preparation, fabric manufacturing, finishing, soft goods marketing. A digital textile ecosystem is expected to gradually form for improving textile supply chain resilience and accuracy among APEC member economies.

Capacity Building

Through the application of ICT in textile manufacturing, including digital connectivity and virtual reality, the project can help enterprises in the APEC region to learn about improving industrial communication and production efficiency, enable textile suppliers in the region to communicate smoothly even in the case of cross-border and long supply chains, and help integrate upstream, midstream and downstream manufacturing information. The application of the proposed smart technologies should be designed with interface or solutions that are easy to be operated.

This technology will address key industry challenges, such as improving communication and production efficiency, through the implementation of digital transformation. By leveraging digital communication technologies, such as digital fabric platforms, brands and manufacturers can significantly reduce the need for physical sample exchanges, which often require re-confirmation or re-sampling. This streamlines the process, allowing for quicker and more accurate responses to orders, reducing material and energy waste, and cutting costs while improving production accuracy. Furthermore, this approach encourages collaboration between young engineers and innovators in both the public and private sectors, strengthening ties and sharing experiences to accelerate the adoption of smart textile technologies, ultimately facilitating the exchange of regional industrial knowledge.

During our two-day seminar, participants will take part in a 30-minute workshop to build a solid basic understanding including technologies foundational knowledge training, infrastructure readiness and tooling, sustainability metrics setting such as carbon footprint. The seminar includes interactive and in-depth teaching sessions that go beyond mere presentations to include hands-on learning and lively discussions. We also plan to have site visit to boost confidence among manufacturers. We will arrange visits to textile manufacturers that have been successfully introduced with intelligent supply chain technology to prove its feasibility and benefits. Meanwhile, there will be implementation plans and strategies formulated through their experience to and know- how.

[1] https://stats.wto.org/dashboard/merchandise_en.html

https://www.textilemonthly.com.tw/mod/article/index.php? REQUEST_ID=346af098b43f90fe60aacca4a62c51c1299dca4d90500309d05b751fb1f105a5&pn=0
[3] https://www.eaxprts.com/10-most-important-benefits-of-virtual-showroom/

Objectives

The objective of this project is to promote economic development and sustainable environment by introducing digital convergence technologies in the textile supply chain. The technologies can achieve a seamless textile supply chain, improve production efficiency and address the challenges of supply chain dispersion resulting from long supply chains and supply chain disruptions, while promoting inclusive growth. Moreover, the integration of smart technology can enable the development of a smooth supply chain, providing regional members with several benefits, including sharing smart technology applications, enhancing digital transformation, and improving the utilization of artificial intelligence.

Alignment

Beneficiaries and Outputs

Outputs

1) Survey

Conducting a Production Efficiency Survey for the Textile Supply Chain

- In order to identify the key needs and solutions for improving supply chain efficiency in the textile industry across APEC economies, we will conduct a pre-seminar survey focusing on production efficiency in the textile supply chain. This will be complemented by follow-up interviews with industry experts and stakeholders to gather in-depth insights and address specific challenges. The results will inform the final report and provide actionable recommendations for improving efficiency. There are two components to the survey. The first focuses on collecting data regarding the specific needs, applications of production technologies, and the current status of smart manufacturing within the textile industries of APEC economies. The second part gathers feedback and anticipations regarding the most relevant technologies and strategies for improving production efficiency. To increase participation, we will also directly reach out to specific organizations, such as the Thailand Textile Institute to ensure higher response rates.

- Research Scope: Part 1: Part 1: Evaluate the application needs, technology adoption, and the stage of smart manufacturing in different regions within the APEC economies, considering varying industry demands and regional challenges. Part 2: Summarize key recommendations, expectations, and the most relevant topics for technology adoption to improve textile production efficiency, based on expert interviews and stakeholder feedback.

Target Groups: APEC economy members interested in new textile technologies, especially manufacturers, ICT companies, policymakers, and environmental organizations.

2) International Seminar

- Two full-day international seminar planned to be held in Bangkok in October 2025.

- Purpose: The efficiency of regional and cross-regional supply chain monitoring technology will benefit industries in APEC economies by increasing supply chain efficiency and overcoming digitization maturity limitations. The subjects of this forum include, but are not limited to, an introduction to the developing trends, current status and applications of intelligent supply chain monitoring technologies in the APEC region.

- Participants: Members from APEC economies who are interested in flexible production technology and equipment intelligence, especially policymakers and government departments, research institutes, supply chain providers related to the monitoring of equipment automation suppliers and the system integrators.

- Tentative agenda:

Day 1

Session A: Sharing Developing Trends of Interested Textile Supply Chain Monitoring Technologies.

Duration: 4hrs (including breaks)

- Keynote: Strategies and Trends for Textile Supply Chain and Industry Development.

- Presentation of preliminary questionnaire survey results.

- Experience Sharing and Challenges in Promoting Textile Industry Policies.

Session B: Sharing of Policy and Application Experience in Textile Supply Chain.

Duration: 4hrs (including breaks)

- Keynote: Strategies and Trends for Textile Industry Development.

- Experience and Challenges in Promoting smart technology in the textile industry.

Day 2

Session C: Sharing Applications of Smart Technology solutions for the Textile Supply Chain.

Duration: 3hrs (including breaks)

- Keynote: Driving Digital Transformation in the Textile Industry through Smart Technologies.

- Sharing case studies on the application of smart technology in the textile industry.

Session D: Panel discussion (including Q&A) Duration: 1hrs

- The digitalisation process can present textile enterprises with a number of challenges, including those related to talent, the law, and corporate strategy.

Session E : Field Visits to a Textile Smart Technology-related end user and institution.

Duration: 4hrs

- Visiting the achievements of smart technology applications.

- The application of smart technologies designed with easy to operate interfaces will be demonstrated with the purpose of facilitating seamless interaction among various supply chain segments, potentially boosting quality and efficiency.

- This guide will show you how to capture and collect equipment information into visual management.

Completion of the seminar satisfaction survey, we hope to understand participants' satisfaction and expectations regarding the two-day seminar arrangement and discussions, serving as a reference for future planning and execution of similar events. And measure if capacity building objectives were met, and if the planned Outcomes were achieved.

3) Final Report

The final report will be 30-35 pages (excluding annexes) long and consist of 5 parts, covering project achievements and policy recommendations. The draft will be delivered by 30th November, 2025, focusing on the seminar held in Oct. 2025. It will include the current situation, trends, applications of textile supply chain delivery tracking, survey results, and seminar achievements.

Chapter 1: Current Situation of Supply Chain Monitoring Solutions for Cross- Regional Sites (7 pages)

Chapter 2: Policy recommendations (5 pages)

Chapter 3: Selected Success Cases of Cross-Regional Supply Chain Monitoring (7 pages)

Chapter 4: Results and Analysis of Cross-Regional Supply Chain Monitoring Survey (7 pages)

Chapter 5: Seminar Outcomes and Insights (7 pages) Chapter 6: Conclusion (2 pages)

Outcomes
1) Increased knowledge of applying intelligent digital supply chain solutions, enhancing IoT system use for better efficiency and quality control.

2) Increasing their digital management capabilities.

3) Increasing interest in future collaborations.

Beneficiaries

Policy recommendations will focus on adopting smart technologies to enhance supply chain efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable practices, aligning with regional trade and investment policies.

Primary Beneficiaries:

1. Textile Manufacturers: These participants will gain direct insights into advanced digital technologies that drive innovation, optimize supply chains, and improve production efficiency. The workshop will also offer networking opportunities with technology experts and peers, helping them to adopt sustainable practices, enhance customer engagement, and navigate evolving digital regulations.

2. ICT Companies: These participants will benefit from engaging with regional leaders and expanding their influence on digital policies. ICT companies will gain access to market opportunities, investment prospects, and collaboration in the development of digital infrastructure. They will also have the chance to share their innovations and collaborate on reducing the digital divide for inclusive growth.

3. Policy makers: The target government departments for this workshop will include ministries responsible for trade, industry, technology, and environmental policies. Officials with expertise in economic development, sustainability, digital transformation, and trade facilitation will benefit the most, as they will gain insights into the role of digital technologies in enhancing supply chain efficiency and promoting sustainable development. Additionally, this workshop will help align their policies with regional and global trends.

Dissemination

The Final Report will be published as an APEC Publication and will be disseminated through APEC website.

The target audience of the publication will be Textile Manufacturers and Policy Makers.

Gender

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Work Plan

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Risks

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Linkages

This project will focus on technology diffusion, linkages in the supply chain, and improving textile smart technology application capabilities. We will work closely with the Digital Economy Steering Group (DESG) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) by inviting them to review and provide feedback on the draft agenda and Final Report. Additionally, we will invite these groups to nominate experts for the Seminar to ensure relevant expertise is shared. After the project, a detailed written report will be provided to PPSTI members, including the results of the ex-post survey conducted 6-12 months post-completion.

Sustainability

1. After the project completion, the PO and the project team will continue to follow up on the action items between the textile manufacturers, policy makers, ICT companies and environmental organizations communities during the forum and workshop.

2. After the project, a detailed written report will be provided to PPSTI members. Conduct an ex-post survey within 6-12 months after project completion to track increased participant knowledge on how to adapt production efficiency improving solutions to textile industry, improve smooth communication among the textile industry supply chain, and continue to seek for the cooperative opportunities between APEC members.

Direct Labour

Not Applicable.

Are there any supporting document attached?

Yes

Project No.
Project Title
Project Status
Fund Account
Sub-fund
Project Year
Project Session
APEC Funding
Co-funding Amount
Total Project Value
Sponsoring Forum
Topics
Committee
Other Fora Involved
Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved
Proposing Economy(ies)
Co-Sponsoring Economies
Expected Start Date
Expected Completion Date
Project Proponent Name 1
Job Title 1
Organization 1
Telephone 1
Email 1
Project Proponent Name 2
Job Title 2
Organization 2
Telephone 2
Email 2
Declaration
Project Summary
Relevance
Objectives
Alignment
Beneficiaries and Outputs
Dissemination
Gender
Work Plan
Risks
Monitoring and Evaluation
Linkages
Sustainability
Direct Labour
Are there any supporting document attached?
hdFldAdmin
Project Number
Previous Fora
Secretariat Comments
Reprogramming Notes
Consolidated QAF
Endorsement By Fora
PD Sign Off
Batch
Forum Priority
Committee Ranking Category
Committee Priority
PDM Priority
Priority Within Funding Category
Monitoring Report Received
Completion Report Received
PMU Field 1
PMU Field 2
PMU Field 3
On Behalf Of
Proposal Status
Originating Sub-Forum
Approval Status
Attachments

Content Type: Standard Proposal