Today we are publishing the IMASUS Needs Analysis, a report rooted in two international surveys coordinated by Lotozero that map the realities of sustainable textile innovation across Europe. The document brings together university researchers, VET educators, textile labs, creative hubs, and independent brands who generously shared how they access knowledge, test materials, and collaborate across sectors. Their collective feedback now anchors the roadmap for our open educational knowledge base.
Several signals resonated across both groups:
- Knowledge remains fragmented. Respondents described chasing insights across journals, closed repositories, and informal networks. They are ready for an open, validated source that pairs scientific data with practical tools.
- Collaboration needs structure. Educators want easier access to SMEs for pilot projects, while makers are eager to connect with labs and certification experts without prohibitive costs or minimum orders.
- Learning must stay modular and multilingual. Toolkits, training paths, and material libraries need to be adaptable so that small teams can implement them quickly and equitably.
These insights reinforce the core mandate of IMASUS: to translate advanced research into accessible formats and to hold space where experimentation, transparency, and care can coexist. Over the coming months we will keep iterating on the platform with these priorities in mind—expanding our open databases, prototyping shared toolkits, and convening partners who are committed to collaborative innovation.