The February 2023 event would be the third edition of the Functional Textiles and Clothing Conference (FTC). What major developments have you noticed in this area since the first conference that was organised in 2018?
In 2018, when FTC was conceived, the field of functional clothing was still in in its infancy. Some work had been initiated in limited pockets around the world. It is with a pleasant sense of surprise that one finds that the field is growing, and many more institutions are now involved in this field of research. In India, in particular, several departments are now doing serious research in this field.
A conference of this kind acts as an interface between those who make use of the FTC technology (brands/manufacturers) and those who make these happen (scientists/technologists). How does the FTC Conference make this happen?
FTC aims to bring together the government agencies, national and international researchers and students as well as companies on a common platform. In the last two editions—in 2018 and 2020—we saw people from these backgrounds connect with each other and find synergy. Industries put up stalls during FTC where they get an opportunity to interact directly with researchers.
How much do you think brands and manufacturers give importance to R&D in their organisations (especially in the context of FTC)? Do you think they are keeping pace with what's happening in the scientific world?
Most brands and manufacturers are busy with their daily challenges in manufacturing and supply schedules. Their R&D is limited to sampling and problems in production. They know, however, that it’s important for them to keep developing new products and keep incorporating new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Many of the progressive ones, therefore, collaborate with the textile & fashion departments of various universities to make use of the inherent innovation and creative abilities of their students.
What's going to drive change in this area? Would it be demand (in terms of what brands or manufacturers ask for)? Or, would it be the scientific and technological developments that would create its own demand?
Scientific and technological developments bring in new materials, new manufacturing techniques, and new capabilities. Each of these, in turn, would have to be translated into newer products. That’s where design and innovation steps in, combining new materials and technologies with new societal demands, to create new products. Developments in conductive textiles, for example, have led to development of wearable sensors, better health & fitness monitoring, and improved competitive sportswear. The whole field is therefore demand-driven—demand for new products.
