Bridging the Gap: Industry-Academia-NGO Interaction Report

NGO Interaction Meet was held on 3rd December 2025 at The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit. The meeting was curated by Dr Ela Dedhia, Founder Director of Anveshanam Foundation. The collaborators were The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit and Textile Value Chain. 4 from non-profit, 8 from Industry, and 5 from Academia were gathered for the interaction.

Meeting Summary

The meeting brought together representatives from academia and the textile and fashion industries to address the widening gap between institutional education and real-world industry expectations. Participants expressed shared concern that graduates entering the textile sector often lack foundational knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional readiness required by employers.

The discussion began with reflections on the responsibility of individuals and institutions to contribute to society by preparing future generations with relevant skills. Speakers stressed that while funding can support infrastructure and growth, the more significant need is knowledge exchange, mentoring, and industry engagement.

A recurring point was the role of curriculum design. Autonomous colleges are able to revise curricula more frequently and adapt to emerging industry trends, whereas affiliated institutions face lengthy approval processes through university governing bodies, delaying updates for years. With rapidly evolving technologies and market shifts in textiles, this misalignment contributes to students graduating with outdated knowledge.

Speakers pointed out that curriculum revision alone is not enough—implementation must include practical learning, exposure visits, and real-time industry insights. Many noted that students often lack understanding of basic textile terminology, machinery, production processes, sustainability frameworks, and supply chain realities. The panel agreed that experiential learning must become central rather than peripheral to education.

The New Education Policy (NEP 2020) was acknowledged as a strong framework promoting flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, soft skills, elective pathways, and social responsibility. Examples were shared of institutions integrating open electives, sustainable design principles, internships, rural craft documentation modules, and industry placements. However, participants emphasised that the policy’s strength lies in thoughtful application aligned with industry needs—not superficial compliance.

Speakers also highlighted a gap in student expectations and motivation. Many students enter fashion and textile programs with idealised, glamorous perceptions shaped by the media, without understanding the technical and operational depth of the field. Counselling and structured guidance must help students recognise the broad ecosystem behind fashion — from yarn and fibre innovation to manufacturing, distribution, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

The industry representatives underscored that in the workplace, attitude, discipline, willingness to learn, and problem-solving mindset matter just as much as technical knowledge. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and accountability must be intentionally built during the academic experience, not left to post-graduation learning.

A shared sentiment emerged that meaningful change requires partnership—not isolated effort. Institutions need access to working professionals who can provide guest lectures, mentorship, project feedback, and internship opportunities. Industry needs graduates who are competent, adaptable, and prepared to contribute from day one. Both sectors must co-create solutions rather than work independently.

The meeting concluded with a collective agreement to move beyond discussion and toward structured, actionable collaboration. Participants expressed commitment to exploring internships, expert-led modules, site visits, curriculum advisory roles, and knowledge-sharing programs to strengthen the ecosystem and empower the next generation of textile and fashion professionals.

Action Plan

Expected Outcomes

✔ Industry-ready graduates with practical understanding

✔ Stronger continuity between academic theory and industrial practice

✔ Shared responsibility in shaping the next generation

✔ Reduced skill and expectation gaps

✔ Sustainable long-term collaboration ecosystem