Tuscany, represented in MATRIX by Next Technology Tecnotessile (NTT), is one of Europe’s leading textile and fashion regions. The territory combines strong industrial heritage, specialised manufacturing know-how, and an internationally recognised textile ecosystem centred around the Prato textile district.
Today, Tuscany plays a strategic role within the European textile and fashion industry, particularly in textile production, recycling processes, knitwear, technical textiles, and luxury fashion supply chains.
Key figures
- Nearly 20,000 fashion manufacturing companies in Tuscany
- More than 113,000 workers employed in the sector
- €6.77 billion production value in the Prato textile district
- Over €2.4 billion in textile exports
- Approximately 90% of Italian textile exports linked to Prato district activities
Main sector specialisations
The Tuscan textile ecosystem is characterised by a complete and highly specialised value chain, including:
- High-quality textiles and fabrics
- Knitwear and clothing production
- Textile recycling and circular processes
- Technical and industrial textiles
- Luxury fashion manufacturing
- Textile machinery and advanced processing technologies
The region’s industrial structure is mainly composed of SMEs with strong technical expertise and deep-rooted manufacturing traditions.
Regional challenges
Like many Mediterranean textile regions, Tuscany is currently facing important industrial and economic challenges:
- Rising energy and raw material costs
- Increasing international competition
- Complex sustainability and regulatory requirements
- Digital transition and technology adaptation needs
- Limited access to innovation funding and investment
- Shortage of qualified and younger workforce
At the same time, SMEs must rapidly adapt to new European requirements related to sustainability, circularity, digitalisation, and traceability.
Opportunities and transition pathways
Despite these challenges, Tuscany has strong potential to accelerate industrial transformation through:
- Circular economy and sustainable textile solutions
- Industry 4.0 and digitalisation processes
- Research, development, and technology transfer
- SME innovation support actions
- Skills development and specialised training
- Cross-border Mediterranean collaboration
Why Tuscany is part of MATRIX
Through MATRIX, Mediterranean partners work together to support textile SMEs in becoming more sustainable, resilient, digital, and competitive.
For Tuscany, the project represents an opportunity to strengthen innovation capacity, support industrial transition, improve skills, and facilitate the adoption of new sustainable business models adapted to the real needs of textile companies and regional ecosystems.
In regions with such a strong industrial identity, transformation is not only an environmental necessity but also a key condition for long-term competitiveness and resilience.
Next Med
