Ministry of Textiles Pushes for Industry-Driven and Outcome-Based Textile Research
Second Coordination Committee meeting reviews R&D priorities, technology development and commercialisation of research outcomes
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
New Delhi, August 29, 2026: The Ministry of Textiles has stepped up efforts to make textile research and development more coordinated, industry-oriented and focused on measurable outcomes, with the 2nd Coordination Committee Meeting of Textile Research Associations (TRAs) held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, and brought together senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of Textile Research Associations and experts from institutions including the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Department of Science & Technology, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and IITs.
The full-day session focused on strengthening the country’s textile R&D ecosystem through closer coordination, technology development, innovation, industry linkages and improved utilisation of research outcomes.
Focus on Turning Research into Practical Solutions
A major emphasis of the discussions was the need to ensure that research conducted by TRAs addresses actual requirements of the textile industry and produces clearly measurable results.
The Government stressed that research should increasingly lead to new technologies, patents, prototypes, commercialisation opportunities, import substitution and practical solutions to industry challenges, particularly those encountered by micro, small and medium enterprises.
Industry participation at the conceptualisation stage of research projects was also highlighted as an important factor in ensuring that technologies developed through R&D are relevant and ultimately adopted by industry.
Review of Earlier Initiatives
The committee reviewed progress made since the first Coordination Committee meeting.
Among the initiatives examined were improvements in equipment inventory and digital information management through the i-TRAMS portal, formation of sub-committees, identification of Centres of Excellence and New Age Fibres, and consultations concerning emerging areas of technical textiles.
The meeting also examined ways to further align TRA activities with national priorities and the changing technological and commercial requirements of India’s textile industry.
Strengthening Centres of Excellence and Innovation
Several important areas were discussed during the deliberations, including global benchmarking of Centres of Excellence and the introduction of a structured Technology Readiness Assessment Framework.
The participants also considered measures to strengthen India’s startup and innovation ecosystem, develop a common e-library platform and mobilise additional external funding for research and technology development.
Effective implementation of projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission was another key area of discussion.
Other priorities included expanding TRA membership, developing skills, improving institutional governance and strengthening performance evaluation mechanisms.
Five-Year and Annual Action Plans
The Five-Year Plans and Annual Action Plans for 2026–27 prepared by the Textile Research Associations are expected to provide a strategic framework for their future activities.
The plans will cover areas such as:
- Research and development
- Technology development
- Testing and standardisation
- Capacity building
- Innovation
- Institutional collaboration
The Ministry also underlined the importance of effective use of i-TRAMS for monitoring activities, sharing information and mapping research capabilities. The platform is also expected to facilitate stronger connections between industry requirements and the expertise available within Textile Research Associations.
Greater Accountability Through KPIs
The meeting also highlighted the need for a robust Key Performance Indicator (KPI)-based evaluation framework.
Such a system, supported by reliable data and periodic reviews, is intended to improve accountability, ensure more effective use of resources and help research institutions achieve clearly measurable targets within defined timelines.
Building a Globally Competitive Textile R&D Ecosystem
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a stronger and more globally competitive textile research ecosystem in India.
Greater collaboration among Textile Research Associations, industry, startups, academic institutions and research organisations is expected to support innovation and accelerate the transition of research成果 into practical technologies and commercial opportunities.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the technological capabilities of India’s textile sector while supporting its growth, sustainability, innovation and global competitiveness.
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor | IBG NEWS
