A Study on Information Required for the Development of New Textile Materials of Korean Textile Industry

The Korean textile industry the driving force of Korea's economic development, is faced with difficulties due to domestic and foreign influences. The purpose of this paper is to examine what measures are necessary for overcoming such difficulties. As the first step, We conducted a month-long survey, in August 2003, of 157 small-medium firms operating in the Korean textile industry to collect information about difficulties that they face in carrying out their business. According to the result, small firms performed badly in sales and facility investment efforts for 2003 due to worldwide economic depression. They, however, actively pursued new technology development in order to improve their competitiveness. Profits and productivity decreased with reduced sales, and their view on the next year’s perspective is also very unfavorable. Especially many firms intend to maintain or even lower the level of sales goal for 2004, reflecting the sluggish market environment. According to the survey, under such circumstances, as many as 74% of firms wanted to turn the tables through the development of highly sensuous material and improved marketing efforts. One of potential answers to this problem, which is suggested by the survey, is to establish a consulting service institution to provide promptly marketing data and information on textile and fashion market and trend in Italy. Especially, firms surveyed have shown a great deal of interest in Italian consulting service for new textile material developments. While they want the service for high value-added product development, they are reluctant to do so because of the uncertainty of its future effects and high consulting fees.