By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University, USA
Investments in technology and modernization are the ways forward for the textiles sector.
Textile industry in developed economies like the United States is reinventing itself by focusing on advanced products, textiles that can be used in personal and environmental protection.
Textiles industry in India and other major manufacturing countries has been upgrading to remain competitive with China with government initiatives such as Technology Upgradation Fund, National Technical Textiles Mission, etc.
Modernization and technology adaptation are seen as positive routes for survivability and growth.
There is some uneasiness among manufacturing sectors that AI may bring dent in employment, which is important for countries like India. Technology development over the years enables productivity and increases per capita income, stated Senator Phil Gramm who was the Chairman of Banking Committee in the United States Senate. Senator Gramm was the author of President Reagan’s budget enabling tax cuts providing cash for discretionary spending.
On May 04, 2026, speaking in Lubbock at his book signing event, “The Triumph of Economic Freedom,” Senator Gramm briefed that technology revolutions such as industrial revolution increased productivity and per capita income. Citing AI revolution, he said while it may wipe out some present-day jobs, it will lead to more and better jobs as was the case during 1840s in England and early 1900s in the United States.
Textile industry in export-oriented countries should now focus on support for research and development, new product development, interaction with academia and training workforce. The recent trade war issues have revealed that situations can be volatile anytime which will affect the industry. Research pays-offs may not be immediate, but it is time for the industry to orient themselves towards boosting research, importantly applied and translational. In countries like India, such efforts will help the sector to improve its product basket and strengthen its presence in advanced textiles. Industry should also focus on domestic consumption and export and interactions with academia, and research organizations. Those countries that have competitiveness in cost and have broad product basket not only in commodity segments will have edge both in domestic and international markets. Additionally, research and interaction with industry associations by participating in research and trade events will help the researcher, entrepreneur, and industry.
