Covadonga Toca, the director of Igape (Galician Institute for Economic Promotion), has underscored the importance of the Galician fashion industry as a key strategic sector for the region's economic growth. Speaking at the inauguration of Galicia conversa: anatomía de la moda gallega, an event held at Studio Follow in A Coruña, Toca highlighted innovation as a vital tool for enhancing the competitiveness of companies and addressing the transformations currently affecting markets.
The event brought together various stakeholders from the fashion industry, including designers, entrepreneurs, producers, brand builders, distributors, and retail professionals. Toca noted that behind every piece, collection, or brand lies a value chain that integrates "business, industry, technology, internationalisation, employment, talent, and the capacity to innovate."
She emphasised that Galicia boasts a rich tradition and business knowledge related to fashion, supported by a robust ecosystem comprising large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), emerging brands, designers, suppliers, and professionals. This established foundation, she argued, provides a competitive advantage in tackling the new challenges faced by the sector.
Toca elaborated on a broad concept of innovation, which encompasses not only the creation of new products but also the transformation of existing practices within companies. She identified opportunities such as the incorporation of new materials and processes, digitalisation of production, innovative marketing strategies, sustainability, market expansion, and new brand-building approaches.
Furthermore, she framed this innovation process within the goal of "industrialising innovation," aiming to translate good ideas into market-ready businesses and projects that can grow, compete, and generate economic activity and employment. To achieve this, Toca stressed the importance of fostering ecosystems that connect diverse perspectives and knowledge throughout the entire value chain.
In conclusion, the Igape director highlighted the necessity of maintaining ongoing dialogue with the business community to understand the changes within the industry, identify new opportunities, and recognise the needs of companies to continue their growth.
