A few thoughts that I had while attending the Global Change Award in Stockholm, Sweden, in June, as part of H&M Foundation’s project “Oporajita - Collective Impact on Future of Work”.
1. It is time to accelerate innovation: We met award winning innovators working A.I. powered cutting, recyclable fiber and dye, advanced waste processing, bio-degradable packaging. The award and open perspectives event brought together changemakers and innovators pushing the boundaries of possibility. I met with innovators from Brazil, Kenya, UK, Sweden, India and other places who were deeply invested in making the changes happen. I felt that a lot of innovation need to be driven from within Bangladesh.
2. The world is listening: We met industry experts, thought leaders, brands, and they were all open to listening to the experience of Bangladesh. As the second largest ready made garments exporters globally, we have a lot to offer to the conversation. Be it in the aspect of sustainable production, worker wellbeing, or feasibility discussion of the latest technology — Bangladesh has to speak up. Many of the trends are being set by policies in the coming years, and we have a role to play in shaping it.
3. From market-driven to vision-driven: Brands are increasingly talking about the importance of sustainability. The investments happening today are taking place because of the world of 2030 and 2060, not just for the market demands of Fall 2023. As we are going through 4th Industrial Revolution, and unprecedented Climate Change, the market landscape will alter more than one can predict through simple consumer behavior. Businesses are looking at what is called "Dual Transformation" — investing in future growth engines while maximizing resilience in the short run. As described in a book with the same title by Scott Anthony, Clark Gilbert, and Mark Johnson. The role of a defined vision becomes paramount here.
Anyone can draw parallels between these trends in the apparel industry to other industries, and even with personal career.
1. It is time to accelerate innovation: We met award winning innovators working A.I. powered cutting, recyclable fiber and dye, advanced waste processing, bio-degradable packaging. The award and open perspectives event brought together changemakers and innovators pushing the boundaries of possibility. I met with innovators from Brazil, Kenya, UK, Sweden, India and other places who were deeply invested in making the changes happen. I felt that a lot of innovation need to be driven from within Bangladesh.
2. The world is listening: We met industry experts, thought leaders, brands, and they were all open to listening to the experience of Bangladesh. As the second largest ready made garments exporters globally, we have a lot to offer to the conversation. Be it in the aspect of sustainable production, worker wellbeing, or feasibility discussion of the latest technology — Bangladesh has to speak up. Many of the trends are being set by policies in the coming years, and we have a role to play in shaping it.
3. From market-driven to vision-driven: Brands are increasingly talking about the importance of sustainability. The investments happening today are taking place because of the world of 2030 and 2060, not just for the market demands of Fall 2023. As we are going through 4th Industrial Revolution, and unprecedented Climate Change, the market landscape will alter more than one can predict through simple consumer behavior. Businesses are looking at what is called "Dual Transformation" — investing in future growth engines while maximizing resilience in the short run. As described in a book with the same title by Scott Anthony, Clark Gilbert, and Mark Johnson. The role of a defined vision becomes paramount here.
Anyone can draw parallels between these trends in the apparel industry to other industries, and even with personal career.
Radi
3 October 2023.
