Knowing how to read the signs also helps
TI06 - October 19

Manuel Serrão

T Director
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uno Pinto, the CEO of P&R Textiles and the cover this edition of T International, had this curious and inspiring statement (which we chose for title) that in his company innovation is a team sport. In the double sense that innovation is a constant focus for P&R, but also a concern and effort that is shared by everyone, from the entrepreneurs to the young worker.

We all know, but it is never too much to remember, that innovation is essential for an industry that has been aiming to reinvent itself in order to remain competitive in an increasingly difficult global market.

It just so happens that innovation is not just merely the technological innovation, the constant attention to new technologies and new production processes. Nor can it be reduced to the incessant pursuit for new products or to the search for the most modern forms of marketing and distribution.

It’s important to never forget the end consumer, their mood swings and habits. An industry may be technologically well-equipped and have a powerful image nationally and internationally, but if you insist on selling the great products you make to consumers who already have their minds set on other trends, you will have a serious problem to solve.

So far that has never been a problem for the Portuguese textile and clothing industry, and the statistics continue to give us good news. Knowing how to read the signs also helps.

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