FABRIX Deliverable 2.5 “Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” (Intermediate version)

The deliverable D2.5 "Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” (Intermediate version) is part of a series of intermediate deliverables produced by the EU-funded project FABRIX "Fostering local, beautiful, and sustainably designed regenerative textile and clothing ecosystems". The primary goal of the FABRIX project is to develop an innovative digital platform aimed at managing and analysing local economic value chains, particularly within the textile and clothing (T&C) sector. This sector presents unique challenges due to its complex global production networks, limited data transparency, and the difficulty in mapping and understanding local production flows.

The document addresses the initial phase of identifying critical requirements and needs of stakeholders for adapting and tailoring interactive digital platforms. First, this phase involved a benchmarking of existing platforms, which highlighted key functionalities in current platform offerings. Through comprehensive desktop research, expert recommendations, and observations, three main categories of existing platforms were identified: Marketplace Platforms, Networking Platforms, and Data Analytics Platforms, each further divided into specialized subtypes.

Second, we included insights on current practices and needs related to digital tools from the first qualitative interviews with stakeholders in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Athens, Greece we are conducting in Task 2.1 (WP2) of the FABRIX project, as well as from the preliminary outcomes from the first FABRIX open call for facilitators in both cities (WP4). Insights from businesses, facilitators, and governmental actors revealed considerable gaps and opportunities in digital tool adoption. Businesses expressed a need for better digital solutions for supply chain management, impact measurement, and collaboration. Facilitators pointed out the benefits of digital tools that streamline matchmaking, enhance skills training, and better track collaboration. Government stakeholders identified potential improvements in data integration, stakeholder collaboration, and impact tracking. Overall, key recurring themes included the importance of platform functions that support local collaboration and networking mechanisms, as well as their visualizations, the need to improve spatial and impact analysis capabilities, and the integration of robust training functionalities.

Third, the first FABRIX co-creation workshop conducted in Rotterdam further enriched the understanding of user needs, revealing diverse perspectives on sustainability challenges, governmental support, local manufacturing feasibility, and practical strategies to foster partnerships and collaborations. The workshop outcomes underscored the importance of face-to-face interactions, clear communication, and the role of facilitators in supporting partnerships and building communities.

The structure of this deliverable is as follows: Section 2 introduces the scope and context of the FABRIX project and outlines the three interconnected deliverables (D2.5, D2.7, D.3.1). Section 3 presents a detailed benchmarking analysis of existing digital platforms used within the T&C sector. Section 4 summarizes current practices, gaps, and needs expressed by businesses, facilitators, and governments regarding digital platform usage. Section 5 describes the methodology and key insights gained from the Rotterdam co-creation workshop. Finally, Section 6 synthesizes the findings, offering conclusions and discussing implications for the ongoing development of the FABRIX digital platform.