From Fashion- to Functional-Based Production in Footwear and Clothing Collaborative Networks

In order to stay competitive, European manufacturing companies need to enter new markets implementing innovative production methodologies based on networking economy. Comparing some European fashion supply networks through multiple case studies, this paper aims at highlighting the guidelines for designing an innovative "supply network reference model" that will allow to industrialize fashion production based on functional requirements coming from new niche markets like elderly, obese, disabled and diabetic people can be. Through business processes and requirements analysis hold on some European SMEs, the paper will propose a supply chain model mapping the most relevant processes, procedures and techniques of footwear and clothing networks. The innovative production model will be based on the integration of fashion companies towards both suppliers and customers to support sustainable production of small series addressed products for the mentioned target groups.