he demands arising from the opening of markets, the level of knowledge of consumers and the fluctuation of the fashion cluster, associated to the huge evolution potential of science and technology, constitute an enormous challenge to companies’ competitiveness, which may only be overrun based on knowledge. TCI’s industrial area requires more and more senior technicians with classic training (University Degree, Master’s or PhD) in chemistry, in the case of dying and finishing, in mechanics and electronics for the maintenance of equipment and facilities and in informatics, due to the irreversible path of digitalization.

There are, however, two professional profiles with higher education specific to TCI (Textile and Clothing Industry). The Fashion Designer (textile and clothing), who associates creative skills, trends interpretation abilities, the perception of clients’ needs (B2B and/or B2C), the knowledge of materials and the potentiality of the available technology with sustainability worries. 

Seniors (textile and clothing) have technical knowledge on raw materials, finished products, transformation and its processes, operation and production flow and quality parameters. The study plan of these Degrees and Master’s must be eclectic and include complementary training themes, such as Lean Management, 4.0 Industry, sourcing and chain of supply, international fashion trade, sustainability and circular economy, among others. It is a professional profile targeted at industrial companies but also production sourcing and products in commercial companies. 

The training of this staff, with the new generation upgrade that answers current demands, must involve, in an organized manner, the participation of companies in the definition of the study plans and the courses’ curricula, as well as the involvement of staff in the lecturing of some modules or seminars.   

Short-term internships in companies shall be framed during the training cycle, as well as the possibility of developing master’s degrees or similar non-awarding degree courses in collaboration with companies aiming for a more assertive and specific preparation for the professional world. Still in the same line of thought, online training, in coordination with companies, may represent a very important contribution from universities to lifelong training of TCI staff. 

Universities may and shall multiply what has been done in promoting the creation of startups in the TCI cluster, in business incubation and development centers, in the campus itself or in associated technological parks thus promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment in recent graduates.  The strategy shall be able to attract senior consultants, investors,  investment funds and also TCI companies into becoming qualified shareholders, even if minority ones, thus enabling the externalization of specific business areas with intense knowledge in science and technology.