Managing disruptive technology in the textile industry

A considerable amount of research is underway in materials science and engineering, micro-electronics and the emerging nano-science and nanotechnology to improve the properties and performance of existing materials as well as developing new smart and intelligent textiles with novel functions. A preliminary investigation of the potential impact of such new developments on the current industry structure, especially the high street fashion clothing market, the incumbents, and the industry supply chain, is carried out using the Disruptive Innovation Framework (DIF) as the underpinning analytical framework. Focus is on three interconnected areas including the scientific basis of emerging smart fibers, analytical investigations on the impact of the emerging technology on the industry supply chain and what issues arise when markets are identified where they don't exist as the pertinent science and technology base is rapidly advancing.