FABRIX Deliverable 2.5 "Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms" (Intermediate version)

FABRIX has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, under grant agreement No. 101135638 Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version ) Deliverable 2.5 31 March 2025 D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 2 Project acronym: FABRIX Project full title: Fostering local, beautiful, and sustainably designed regenerative textile and clothing ecosystems Grant agreement no.: 101135638 Deliverable number and name D2.5 “Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” (Intermediate version) Distribution level: PU - Public Responsible author(s)/partner: Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) Contributing author(s) / partner(s): TUD, AUEB, TCBL, OSMO, AIDI, RD Reviewed by: Mariangela Lavanga, Younghyun Kim, Adrian Hill, Fiori Zafeiropoulou, Thomas Blumenfeld Total number of pages: 33 Revision history Number Date Description 0.1 03/2025 Draft 0.2 03/2025 Revision 0.3 03/2025 Revision 0.4 03/2025 Revision 0.5 03/2025 Final Statement of Originality This deliverable contains original unpublished work except where clearly indicated otherwise. Acknowledgement of previously published material and of the work of others has been made through appropriate citation, quotation, or both. Copyright: This work is licensed by the FABRIX Consortium under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, 2024. The FABRIX Consortium consists of: Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Athens University of Economics and Business, OSMOS network, AIDIMME, Roadmapper, SOFFA Fashion Factory, Municipality of Rotterdam, Cedecs-TCBL. Disclaimer All information included in this document is subject to change without notice. The Members of the FABRIX Consortium make no warranty of any kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The Members of the Consortium shall not be held liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material. Funding Acknowledgement FABRIX has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, under grant agreement No. 101135638 . Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 3 1. Executive summary The deliverable D2.5 "Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” (Intermediate version) is part of a series of intermediate deliverables produced by the FABRIX consortium. The primary goal of the FABRIX project is to develop an innovative digital platform aimed at managing and analysing local economic value chains, particularly within the textile and clothing (T&C) sector. This sector presents unique challenges due to its complex global production networks, limited data transparency, and the difficulty in mapping and understanding local production flows. The document addresses the initial phase of identifying critical requirements and needs of stakeholders for adapting and tailoring interactive digital platforms. First, this phase involved a benchmarking of existing platforms, which highlighted key functionalities in current platform offerings. Through comprehensive desktop research, expert recommendations, and observations, three main categories of existing platforms were identified: Marketplace Platforms, Networking Platforms, and Data Analytics Platforms, each further divided into specialized subtypes. Second, we included insights on current practices and needs related to digital tools from the first qualitative interviews with stakeholders in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Athens, Greece we are conducting in Task 2.1 (WP2) of the FABRIX project, as well as from the preliminary outcomes from the first FABRIX open call for facilitators in both cities (WP4). Insights from businesses, facilitators, and governmental actors revealed considerable gaps and opportunities in digital tool adoption. Businesses expressed a need for better digital solutions for supply chain management, impact measurement, and collaboration. Facilitators pointed out the benefits of digital tools that streamline matchmaking, enhance skills training, and better track collaboration. Government stakeholders identified potential improvements in data integration, stakeholder collaboration, and impact tracking. Overall, key recurring themes included the importance of platform functions that support local collaboration and networking mechanisms, as well as their visualizations, the need to improve spatial and impact analysis capabilities, and the integration of robust training functionalities. Third, the first FABRIX co-creation workshop conducted in Rotterdam further enriched the understanding of user needs, revealing diverse perspectives on sustainability challenges, governmental support, local manufacturing feasibility, and practical strategies to foster partnerships and collaborations. The workshop outcomes underscored the importance of faceto-face interactions, clear communication, and the role of facilitators in supporting partnerships and building communities. The structure of this deliverable is as follows: Section 2 introduces the scope and context of the FABRIX project and outlines the three interconnected deliverables (D2.5, D2.7, D.3.1). Section 3 presents a detailed benchmarking analysis of existing digital platforms used within the T&C sector. Section 4 summarizes current practices, gaps, and needs expressed by businesses, facilitators, and governments regarding digital platform usage. Section 5 describes the methodology and key insights gained from the Rotterdam co-creation workshop. Finally, Section 6 synthesizes the findings, offering conclusions and discussing implications for the ongoing development of the FABRIX digital platform. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 4 Table of Contents 1. Executive summary ................................................................. 3 2. Introduction .............................................................................. 6 3. Benchmarking of existing platforms ...................................... 8 4. Current use of digital platforms ............................................ 11 4.1 Insights from interviews with stakeholders in Rotterdam (use of existing platforms and digital needs) and from the proposals submitted to the first FABRIX Open Call for Facilitators (Digital Needs and Usage Insights) in Rotterdam 11 4.2 Insights from the proposals submitted to the first FABRIX Open Call for Facilitators (Digital Needs and Usage Insights) in Athens .......................... 14 5. First FABRIX co-creation workshop with stakeholders in Rotterdam ................................................................................... 16 6. Summary & Discussion ......................................................... 21 7. References ............................................................................. 23 Annex I: First FABRIX co-creation event – Shaping the future of Sustainable and Circular Textile & Clothing Ecosystem ........ 24 Annex II: Second FABRIX co-creation event – Planned co-creation workshop in Athens ................................................................... 31 D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 5 List of Acronyms Acronyms Description D2.3 Deliverable 2.5 “Identification and improvement of indicators for the circular and social system self-assessment tool” M14 (Intermediate version) D2.5 Deliverable 2.5 “Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” M15 (Intermediate version) D2.6 Deliverable “Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” M36 (Final version) D2.7 Deliverable 2.7 “Framework for the functional aspects of the platform” M15 (Intermediate version) D2.8 Deliverable 2.8 “Framework for the functional aspects of the platform” M36 (Final version) D3.1 Deliverable 3.1 “Digital platform architecture and front-end interface” M15 (Intermediate version) D3.2 Deliverable 3.2 “Digital platform architecture and front-end interface” M36 (Final version) D3.5 Deliverable 3.5 “Lowand high-fidelity prototyping” M24 T&C Textile and Clothing T2.1 Task 2.1 “Analysis of the spatial and ecosystem characteristics of the T&C sector in Rotterdam and Athens” T2.2 Task 2.2 “Identification and improvement of indicators for the circular and social system self-assessment tool” T2.3 Task 2.3 “Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” T2.4 Task 2.4 “Development of the MANTEL feature list) and T3.1 (Digital platform architecture and front-end interface” T3.2 Task 3.2 “Platform backend development” T3.3 Task 3.3 “Low and high-fidelity prototyping” T4.1 Task 4.1 “Co-design and launch FSTP open calls” WP2 Work Package 2 “Mapping the selected cities & their T&C sector & tailoring the existing platforms” WP3 Work Package 3 “MANTEL: process support tools for end-users" WP4 Work Package 4 “Platform implementation and enhancing the local ecosystems through FSTP and co-creation List of tables Table 1: Digital platform typology and examples .................................................................................... 8 Table 2: List of stakeholders in the co-creation workshop, by type ...................................................... 24 Table 3: List of questions regarding stakeholders' business models, sustainability strategies, impact and circularity approaches .................................................................................................................... 27 Table 4: List of proposed statements .................................................................................................... 28 List of images Image 1: Benchmarking of platforms and features ................................................................................. 8 Image 2: Mariangela Lavanga (EUR) welcoming workshop participants ............................................. 16 Image 3: Introduction of FABRIX to workshop participants .................................................................. 17 Image 4: Participants share perspectives during the interactive “Statements Exercise” ...................... 18 Image 5: Participants engaged in the “User Journey Exercise” ............................................................ 18 Image 6: Example of User Journey template completed by the facilitators group................................ 19 Image 7: Invitation to stakeholders in Rotterdam for the first FABRIX co-creation event .................... 24 Image 8: Template for the user journeys .............................................................................................. 29 Image 9: Blogpost on the first FABRIX co-creation event at Erasmus University Rotterdam (source: FABRIX website) ................................................................................................................................... 30 D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 6 2. Introduction The deliverable D2.5 “Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms” (Intermediate version) forms part of a suite of three intermediate deliverables intended to describe the development of the FABRIX platform (referred to in the FABRIX project’s Description of Action as MANTEL). This section provides a generic introduction to three inter-dependent deliverables which have the same deadline within the project. These include: • D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms • D2.7 Framework for the functional aspects of the platform • D3.1 Digital platform architecture and front-end interface The three deliverables will be updated at the end of the project in month36 of the FABRIX project (D2.6, D2.8, D3.2). Over the course of the first year of the project, the team determined that the title for the platform, “MANTEL”, required brand research. The title used officially within the project is the “FABRIX Platform”, or simply the Platform (capitalized to distinguish this from the generic use of the word platform). References to MANTEL are to ensure alignment with the Description of Action (DoA). At its core, the FABRIX project will result in a platform for analysing and managing local economic value chains, with a particular focus on the Textile and Clothing (T&C) sector. The T&C sector provides a very useful case study as the value chain functions largely on a global scale, with the flows of materials and the location of production being very hard to track, let alone understand or act upon. Furthermore, overlaying the T&C sector on a geographic or spatial scale, add yet another level of complexity. Available quantitative data currently is often speculative and does not provide a detailed portrait of how production chains function, while first-hand ‘bottom-up’ knowledge is hard to gain due to trust, intellectual property or poor documentation. The FABRIX project aims to bridge these perceived and lived realities. By understanding how value chains operate within a spatial context, policy and economic development actors and institutions can be given a framework to act and tangible indicators to interpret impact. A “management platform”, effectively a digital tool, was considered necessary to deal with the complexity of data and knowledge. At the launch of the project no such platform for managing local economic value chains was known to exist yet a demand was known. This raised questions regarding how a new platform could find a market and which features of functionalities would be considered critical to prioritise within the FABRIX project. The development of a digital platform within the framework of a research project, unlike a commercially developed software product, presents a number of opportunities and challenges which will be covered in D2.5, D2.7 and D3.1. The three years of the project were considered short as the project includes analysis, design, IT development, testing and implementation. A substantial amount of time at the beginning of the project involved internal workshops, building on existing knowledge and experiences. To speed up the process, the scope of the qualitative research (T2.1) was narrowed down by making some hypotheses based on previous projects developed by partners (T2.4). This allowed for the platform to begin development rather soon, in parallel to the qualitative research taking place in T2.1. Finally, we find it essential to move between research and testing because FABRIX is a “product development” project with an unclear market and no clear competitors. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 7 By treating the three deliverables as three interdependent chapters, with a common introduction, it will be easier to present how the research is connected to the Platform architecture. In practice the three deliverables involve contributions from WP2 and WP3. The main outcome of each task within the two WPs is largely the digital Platform, but it also includes other output such as academic papers. The purpose of these three deliverables is to showcase the process taken to develop the Platform. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms This deliverable primarily explains the outcomes and output of work developed in Task 2.3 (Identification of what is needed to tailor the existing interactive platforms), some preliminary results of interviews with stakeholders (when they discuss the potential use of platforms) part of Task 2.1 (Analysis of the spatial and ecosystem characteristics of the T&C sector in selected cities) of WP2 (Mapping the selected cities & their T&C sector & tailoring the existing platforms), and some insights from the applications to the first FABRIX open call for Facilitators in Athens and Rotterdam (the sections in the application where applicants write about the potential use of platforms and FABRIX Platform in particular) (Task 4.1) of WP4. This work involved qualitative research to help define and scope out the needs of the FABRIX platform. D2.7 Framework for the functional aspects of the platform This deliverable looks at the design specifications of the platform and is the product of T2.4 (Development of the MANTEL feature list) and T3.1 (Digital platform architecture and frontend interface), with input from T3.2 (Platform backend development), and it includes feedback from T3.3 (Low and high-fidelity prototyping). To narrow the focus of D2.5, some hypotheses were made early in the project based on previous work and experiences which were then tested in T2.1 and T2.3. T2.4 also included input from T2.2 (Identification and improvement of indicators for the circular and social system self-assessment tool) - refer to D2.3. Therefore, this deliverable provides a bridge between the research and the Platform development (WP3 and D3.1). D3.1 Digital platform architecture and front-end interface Deliverable 3.1 outlines the Platform’s user-flow, front-end interface, and user-specific functionalities such as onboarding, dashboard configuration, self-assessment tools, and ecosystem browsing based on the approach taken at month 15 of the project prior to usertesting. Data sharing and privacy, a core part of the project, is also described. The development follows an agile SCRUM methodology, with low-fidelity prototyping high-fidelity testing connecting this deliverable with Task 3.3 and D3.5. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 8 3. Benchmarking of existing platforms To understand the types of digital platforms that are currently operating in the T&C sector, the FABRIX team put together a list of existing platforms between May and August 2024 through desktop research and expert recommendations (see Image 1 below and D2.7 for a more detailed analysis). The list was further updated with platform providers encountered during Circular Textile Days, a circular textile and fashion fair held in the Netherlands in September 2024. Image 1: Benchmarking of platforms and features The FABRIX team referred to this list in three key ways. First, it served as a benchmark for FABRIX platform developers to assess platform features and identify gaps in functions and digital tools available in the current T&C landscape. Second, the list informed semi-structured interviews conducted by FABRIX researchers to discuss with businesses, facilitators, and government agencies whether they use or are aware of these existing platform tools. Third, the list supported the initial exploration and theoretical application of platform ecosystem orchestration, a concept in the field of industrial management that now extends towards analysing circular economy platform strategies (see also Ritala, 2024, Blackburn et al., 2023, and Ciulli et al., 2020). An academic manuscript on this topic has been submitted by FABRIX researchers to an academic journal in February 2024 and is currently under review. Platform type (by main function) Subtypes Main features or tools Examples Marketplace • Deadstock fabrics marketplace • Textile recycling marketplace Resource catalogues, transaction management tools Fabric Connector, Queen of Raw, Cibutex Exchange, Re:fashion Networking • Vertical networking • Horizontal networking Matchmaking tool (directory), product lifecycle management (PLM) tool Ellie Connect, Manufy, Circular Fashion, Supply Compass, Common Objective Data analytics • Closed data analytics • Open access data analytics LCA calculations, supply chain visualisation tools Open Supply Hub, Supply Trace, BeAWear, Tex.tracer, Carbon Fact Table 1: Digital platform typology and examples D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 9 The FABRIX team examined each selected platform and compiled its key features. This exercise allowed the selected platforms to be categorized into three groups based on their main functions: (1) Marketplace platforms, (2) Networking platforms, and (3) Data analytics platforms. Each category is further divided into two subtypes, as illustrated in Table 1 above. The following sections explore these three platform types and their subtypes in detail. (1) Marketplace platforms Several platforms function as marketplaces to facilitate mainly two types of transactions, (1) buying and selling of deadstock fabrics and (2) textile-to-textile recycling. First, in supporting the circulation of deadstock fabrics, marketplace platforms connect suppliers of surplus textile materials, such as manufacturers, to buyers such as designers and brands that search for reusable materials. The matching process between suppliers and buyers is streamlined by offering material directories or catalogues with filters for price, size, fabric type, fibre content, colours, and patterns. Additional tools allow for submitting order requests and managing transactions in a simplified manner. Second, some marketplace platforms support textile-to-textile recycling by connecting suppliers of waste textiles (feedstocks) with companies that process and recycle them into new materials and products. While their focus on facilitating market transactions of textile materials is similar to platforms that support surplus textile circulation, recycling marketplace platforms also need to engage businesses involved in collection, sorting, preprocessing, and recycling of textiles. The matching process depends on factors such as their specialisations, facilities, and technologies that differ by feedstock type, fibre composition, end use, and contamination levels of textiles (Sandvik & Stubbs, 2019). Marketplace platforms that facilitate textile reuse and recycling have the potential to develop local scale networks and localized resource loops. Some platforms offer searchable directories with location-specific information and interactive maps. However, whether these platforms develop a critical mass of businesses to enable localized networks of textile reuse and recycling economically viable remains to be seen. One strategy that is observed is marketplace platforms collaborating with networking platforms, the second category of platforms we identified, to increase exposure and access to potential users. Another strategy is for marketplace platforms to actively bring together businesses. Platforms such as Re:fashion and Cibutex Exchange organise and launch pilot projects or research and development initiatives to connect supply chain actors and support collaborations among them. This illustrates the importance of platforms as digital tools that facilitators could use to strengthen markets for textile reuse and recycling and increase market participants. Overall, the two types of marketplace platforms support textile reuse and recycling by setting rules for coordinating transactions of deadstock fabrics and recycling feedstocks. They provide businesses with directories of potential business partners, as well as automated transaction tools for managing and tracking material exchanges that they participate in. While these platforms have the potential to facilitate local scale market transactions and material exchanges, the role of facilitators is vital to strengthen these marketplaces and connect participants. (2) Networking platforms Platforms also function as networking hubs to facilitate matchmaking and community-building for businesses and organisations in the T&C sector. Networking platforms can be specified into two types: (1) vertical and (2) horizontal networking platforms. First, vertical networking platforms support collaboration within the T&C sector, often centred around supply chains or production development processes. Platforms that provide Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools fall into this category, enabling designers and brands to manage and track relations with their suppliers and improve production processes towards sustainability. These D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 16 5. First FABRIX co-creation workshop with stakeholders in Rotterdam To identify the needs and pain points faced by businesses, facilitators, and government actors in practicing circular economy in the T&C sector, the FABRIX consortium held its first cocreation workshop on 12 December 2024 at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands (refer to Annex I for the agenda, list of participants, and communication materials from the co-creation workshop). Participants ranged from neighbourhood initiatives and entrepreneurial designers to representatives from the clothing retail sector and government agencies, enriching discussions with diverse perspectives and insights. The co-creation workshop served three key purposes. First, it provided a space to discuss challenges and experiences in practicing circular economy in the T&C sector, building on insights from previous semi-structured interviews. Second, it brought participants together to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Third, it served as a prototype for a co-creation workshop designed to launch a community focused on sharing experiences, identifying challenges, and surfacing pain points. This workshop lays the groundwork for continued discussions on the needs of platforms and its development. At the end of the workshop, participants were also informed about the first FABRIX Open Call for Facilitators which was launched the week before the co-creation workshop. The second FABRIX co-creation workshop will take place in Athens in May 2025, building on the first workshop held in Rotterdam (refer to Annex II for detailed agenda). The Athens cocreation workshop is strategically designed to maximize local community engagement and enhance the impact of the FABRIX project’s activities. It will be organized in collaboration with the facilitators selected through the first FABRIX Open Call for Facilitators (T4.1, WP4). The workshop aims to build stakeholders’ deeper understanding of local stakeholder dynamics. This will empower effective implementation, strengthen local collaborations, and ensure the resulting FABRIX platform addresses real needs identified by stakeholders from Athens’ T&C ecosystem. Image 2: Mariangela Lavanga (EUR) welcoming workshop participants D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 17 Image 3: Introduction of FABRIX to workshop participants The first FABRIX co-creation workshop held at the Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands) was structured around four main interactive exercises/activities. The first involved a brief, guided self-assessment questionnaire designed to help participants understand each other’s varying levels of environmental and social engagement. The anonymized results were displayed live using Mentimeter, which naturally sparked discussions around particular questions and responses. This exercise primarily served as an icebreaker. The second exercise, called the “Statements Exercise,” invited participants to respond to thought-provoking prompts on topics such as sustainability in textiles and clothing, government support, local manufacturing, and spatial needs. Participants were asked to agree or disagree with each statement, which highlighted the diverse perspectives and challenges they face, often shaped by the size and capacity of their organizations. One such statement was: “The public sector does not support businesses sufficiently.” Discussions around this point revealed that, although grant and subsidy programs may exist, micro-sized businesses often struggle to locate these opportunities and navigate the application process. Another example of the statement went “100% local manufacturing is impossible nowadays,” which prompted rich discussion on the challenges and opportunities of producing in the Netherlands. While participants agreed that there is growing enthusiasm among both producers and consumers for local manufacturing, the necessary skills and infrastructure remain underdeveloped. These discussions offer valuable insights for future platform development, ensuring the platform addresses these needs and serves as a channel for connecting stakeholders with resources and information. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 18 Image 4: Participants share perspectives during the interactive “Statements Exercise” The third exercise, called the “User Journey Exercise,” divided participants into smaller groups – businesses, government actors, and facilitators – to analyse the steps involved in advancing their sustainability efforts. Each group was assigned a theme tailored to their specific role, resulting in the following three focus areas: • How businesses seek partnerships with (other) local businesses • How facilitators keep their communities motivated around sustainability • How policymakers gather insights from local businesses and the broader economy Image 5: Participants engaged in the “User Journey Exercise” D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 19 Image 6: Example of User Journey template completed by the facilitators group Using a journey mapping template (Image 8 in Annex I) and post-it notes, each group selected a specific task aligned with their theme to reflect on. They then sketched out the journey involved in completing that task, identifying key steps, pain points, and opportunities along the way (Image 6). As shown in the Image 8 (Annex I), the template is structured to include the task at the top, followed by space to outline the step-by-step process from start to finish. It then includes a section for evaluating the journey using a SWOT analysis, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The “User Journey Exercise” conducted by the business group explored how T&C businesses seek partnerships with other local businesses. The exercise highlighted the important role facilitators play in bringing businesses together to establish common ground and identify potential partners. Face-to-face interaction was seen as especially valuable for building partnerships, particularly in the context of projects that involve a degree of risk-taking. The facilitators group explored how to keep their communities motivated around sustainability, with a particular focus on educating communities. Similar to the business group, facilitators emphasized the importance of in-person meetings and frequent interactions to build trust and sustain long-term relationships with their communities. Maintaining a directory of their networks was seen as essential, though this is often managed through informal tools such as WhatsApp chats or email groups. Facilitators also noted that building and educating communities requires significant time and ongoing experimentation. The public sector group examined how policymakers gather insights into local businesses and economies. They emphasized the critical role of facilitators and their networks, noting that when a facilitator leaves, much of the network knowledge is lost, which is a significant risk. Some municipalities in the Netherlands have begun to address this issue by implementing digital tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to better capture and retain this knowledge. The final exercise of the workshop reviewed the self-assessment questions asked to participants at the beginning of the workshop. 13 questions were re-visited. The selfassessment firstly reviewed questions that participants may not have direct answers to. Examples such as “Is your company certified ISO 14.001?” or “Does your company have a D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 20 human rights policy and take actions to continuously improve working conditions and the wellbeing of workers?” largely could not be answered by many respondents as colleagues in other departments were responsible. This raised the question of the capacity of respondents to complete the entire self-assessment questionnaire in one sitting and how to ensure that participants could correctly provide technical data considered critical to provide an accurate portrait of the organisation. A second challenge was related to the options for the responses. Two collections of options were given, firstly the Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree in five steps) and binary responses (yes, no, don’t know, not applicable). The Likert scoring was useful for qualitative questions such as “My business / organisation is actively involved in sustainability initiatives in my area”. Questions with a binary nature “Do you have a monitoring system to assess your performance (energy, resource use, waste...) or environmental impact?” were in practice less interesting as the response of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was not sufficient to provide useful input. A more constructive response option would allow participants to also add more information on the response. For example, in the questions “What kind of monitoring system?” or “Has a monitoring system been used in the past, and if so which?”. As the responses to the selfassessment questions were conducted in a plenary format with a discussion, unlike the digital format that would be done alone, it was clear that the answers provided useful content for discussion. The format of the results needed also to be carefully designed in terms of the kind of report or feedback to provide respondents value. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 21 6. Summary & Discussion Th deliverable D2.5 has identified key insights into the current landscape and requirements for adapting existing interactive platforms to support the circular economy within the T&C sector. By reviewing and categorizing existing digital platforms, conducting qualitative interviews with diverse stakeholders, and organizing a co-creation workshop in Rotterdam, we have captured a comprehensive understanding of user needs, gaps, and opportunities that will guide the FABRIX platform’s ongoing development. Benchmarking existing digital platforms revealed three primary types: a) Marketplace platforms facilitating textile reuse and recycling transactions, b) Networking platforms enhancing connections within and beyond the T&C sector, and c) Data analytics platforms providing either closed or open-access insights for sustainable supply chain management. To assess how stakeholders use existing platforms and other digital tools, we analysed qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and facilitator proposals submitted for the first FABRIX Open Call for Facilitators (T4.1, WP4) in Rotterdam and Athens. Interviews with businesses highlighted their current reliance on basic digital tools primarily for sales management and internal administrative tasks. Significant gaps remain in automated inventory management, impact measurement tools, and platforms that enable collaborations with suppliers and designers. Businesses indicated a clear demand for user-friendly digital solutions that could simplify sustainability reporting, facilitate partnerships, and increase their visibility within local circular economy networks. Facilitators presented varied experiences. While some preferred direct, in-person engagements, others leveraged digital platforms to automate matchmaking and streamline textile exchanges. Facilitators also expressed strong interest in platforms that offer accessible online training and better capture and track the outcomes of industry collaborations. Ensuring ease of use and seamless integration with existing communication tools remains critical for the successful adoption of new platforms. Government actors, specifically Rotterdam Circulair, currently utilize digital tools primarily for data collection and mapping. Yet, fragmented data management systems limit their effectiveness in tracking and promoting circular economy initiatives. Municipal representatives emphasized the need for integrated digital platforms that consolidate data, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and systematically measure local impacts and community engagement. Such integration would significantly enhance policy development and strategic planning processes, driving forward the city’s sustainability ambitions. Hence, the initial findings of qualitative research in Rotterdam and Athens point to the need for three key platform functionalities. First, visual, intuitive mapping tools are needed to represent local T&C stakeholder interactions, resource flows, trust dynamics, and collaborative potential. The creation of relational visualizations within the FABRIX platform addresses explicit stakeholder requests to improve visibility and transparency of local networks, facilitating effective partnership-building, streamlined resource exchanges, and identification of previously hidden collaborative opportunities. Second, real-time spatial analytics and data transparency features will support policymakers, businesses, and facilitators in assessing impact and aligning strategies and actions. Third, the platform could include intuitive educational functionalities accessible to varying digital literacy levels, promoting informed stakeholder participation and continuous skill development. The first FABRIX co-creation workshop held at the Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands) further reinforced and expanded upon these findings. Through interactive exercises, participants highlighted critical issues such as the complexity of accessing governmental support, practical limitations for fully local manufacturing, and the necessity of D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 22 robust, face-to-face networking to foster meaningful collaboration. Additionally, the “User Journey Exercise” provided clear evidence of the significant role facilitators play in connecting stakeholders and sustaining community engagement. The planned second FABRIX co-creation event in Athens is a strategically critical step for the FABRIX project. It will concretely address practical challenges in the local T&C ecosystem, identify real-world platform requirements, and actively engage diverse stakeholders in collaborative innovation. In conclusion, the deliverable D2.5 underscores the importance of tailoring the FABRIX platform not merely as a technological solution but as a collaborative tool addressing the realworld challenges stakeholders face in the T&C sector. Key recommendations include prioritizing local collaboration and networking mechanisms, as well as their visualizations, improving spatial and impact analysis capabilities, and integrating robust training functionalities. These insights will shape the subsequent development phases of the FABRIX platform, ensuring it meets the needs of stakeholders actively engaged in building a more sustainable and circular textile economy. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 23 7. References Blackburn, O., Ritala, P., & Keränen, J. (2023). Digital Platforms for the Circular Economy: Exploring Meta-Organizational Orchestration Mechanisms. Organization & Environment, 36(2), 253–281. https://doi.org/10.1177/10860266221130717 Ciulli, F., Kolk, A., & Boe-Lillegraven, S. (2020). Circularity Brokers: Digital Platform Organizations and Waste Recovery in Food Supply Chains. Journal of Business Ethics, 167(2), 299–331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04160-5 Ritala, P. (2024). Grand challenges and platform ecosystems: Scaling solutions for wicked ecological and societal problems. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 41(2), 168–183. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12682 Sandvik, I. M., & Stubbs, W. (2019). Circular fashion supply chain through textile-to-textile recycling. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 23(3), 366–381. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMM-04-2018-0058 D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 24 Annex I: First FABRIX co-creation event – Shaping the future of Sustainable and Circular Textile & Clothing Ecosystem The first FABRIX co-creation event – Shaping the future of Sustainable and Circular Textile & Clothing Ecosystem – was organized as part of the FABRIX project to gather insights from key stakeholders in the Textile and Clothing industry in Rotterdam. Mariangela Lavanga (EUR) and Younghyun Kim (EUR) contacted 140+ stakeholders in Rotterdam towards the end of November 2024, followed by several LinkedIn posts in the official FABRIX LinkedIn channel and in the personal LinkedIn channels of FABRIX researchers. A total of 30 stakeholders confirmed attendance, and 22 participated (Table 2). Mariangela Lavanga (EUR) and Younghyun Kim (EUR) co-organised the workshop on 12 December 2024 at the Education Lab, at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where they co-led the workshop together with Adrian Hill (OSMOS). The main focus of the co-creation workshop was to explore circular Textile and Clothing ecosystems in Rotterdam and their impact on the local economy. Stakeholders engaged in exercises designed to align their views, understand their business/activity journeys, and provide input that will shape future actions and developments (of tools) in the sector. Image 7: Invitation to stakeholders in Rotterdam for the first FABRIX co-creation event Stakeholder Type Number (Total: 22) Academic researchers 4 Businesses 10 Facilitators/Consultants 5 Government actors 3 Table 2: List of stakeholders in the co-creation workshop, by type D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 25 Email template sent to stakeholders Subject: Let’s Co-Create a more Sustainable & Circular Textile and Clothing Ecosystem in The Netherlands We are excited to invite you to the first co-creation workshop of the Horizon Europe FABRIX project - Fostering local, beautiful, and sustainably designed regenerative textile and clothing ecosystems in Rotterdam and Athens and across Europe!! Join an inspiring gathering of pioneers in circular and sustainable textiles and fashion, where forward-thinking businesses, government actors, facilitators, and academics will come together to build a vibrant community and shape the future of sustainability in Rotterdam and across the Netherlands. Here's what you can look forward to: • Collaborative Networking: Engage with like-minded peers and stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities. Enjoy coffee and snacks during the workshop, followed by drinks afterward, to build meaningful connections. • Interactive Sessions: Share your pain points in sustainability efforts and collaborate on shaping self-assessment and digital platform solutions. • Exclusive Updates: Be the first to hear about upcoming funding opportunities from FABRIX to support your inspiring initiatives! During the event we will announce the cascade funding for facilitators in the textile and clothing industry in Rotterdam and The Netherlands, as well in Athens and Greece. Details: • Date: Thursday 12 December 2024 • Time: 14:00 – 16:30 (followed by drinks) • Location: Education Lab at Polak Building of Erasmus University Rotterdam (campus Woudestein) A detailed agenda will be shared with you soon. Your insights and expertise will be invaluable in shaping this workshop and setting the stage for a thriving knowledge-sharing and action-oriented community in circular textiles and fashion. Kindly RSVP via email. In case you are unable to join, please do extend the invitation to one of your colleagues or stakeholders. We look forward to this collaborative journey with you and co-creating impactful strategies together! Warm regards (also on behalf of the FABRIX consortium), Mariangela Lavanga & Young Kim Erasmus University Rotterdam / ESHCC Programme and guideline for the first FABRIX co-creation event Title: FABRIX Co-Creation Event – Shaping the future of Sustainable and Circular Textile & Clothing Ecosystem Date: Thursday 12 December 2024, h14:00-16:30 + Networking drinks Location: Education Lab, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam (The Netherlands) Format: in person, TEAMS link only for FABRIX consortium partners Language: English All participants signed an attendance form including a GDPR for data and photos. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 32 Exercise 2: Stakeholder Alignment on Circular Economy Statements (40 minutes) • Activity: Presentation and group discussion on provocative statements about local T&C dynamics. Stakeholders express agreement/disagreement and collaboratively discuss their reasoning. ο Example statements: - “Local manufacturing in Athens is too fragmented to scale sustainably.” - “Athens’ artisanal heritage is central to its future circular economy.” • FABRIX goal: Identify shared visions or areas of tension that need addressing within platform functionalities, such as barriers to data sharing, collaborative attitudes, and potential matchmaking opportunities. Exercise 3: Interactive Stakeholder Network Mapping (30 minutes) • Activity: In small groups, stakeholders co-develop visual maps depicting local T&C actors, marking key relationships, trust levels, policy interactions, and key facilitators. • FABRIX goal: Produce practical visualizations to inform FABRIX platform functionalities, including network visualization features, stakeholder matchmaking, and spatial tools. This exercise explicitly captures relational structures and identifies crucial points of leverage or potential barriers to collaboration. Break & Networking (10 minutes) • Informal networking opportunity to encourage interpersonal connections and reinforce community-building among participants. Exercise 4: Scenario Planning and Policy Alignment (45 minutes) • Activity: Stakeholders collaboratively identify local systemic barriers (e.g., fragmented policy frameworks, cultural inertia, technology gaps). They develop creative scenarios to overcome these barriers, using metaphors such as exploring "unconventional pathways" or pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously. The activity explicitly incorporates considerations on how existing local or EU-level policies could better support circular practices. • FABRIX goal: Elicit innovative solutions and generate concrete recommendations for enhancing FABRIX’s policy-related tools, such as adaptive scenario-planning modules or integrated policy-gap analysis features. This activity also helps facilitators understand how policy frameworks might practically support community-level initiatives and businesses. Closing Discussion and Next Steps (10 minutes) • Activity: Brief synthesis of insights from the day’s activities, outlining concrete next steps and opportunities for continued stakeholder engagement (e.g., platform testing, pilot projects, or ongoing feedback loops). • FABRIX goal: Strengthen stakeholders' ongoing commitment and participation, creating an engaged user base that contributes actively to iterative platform refinement and local ecosystem development. D2.5 Identification of what is needed to tailor existing interactive platforms (Intermediate Version) 33 3. Expected Results and Practical Benefits for FABRIX The co-creation workshop is expected to deliver clear, actionable outcomes contributing directly to FABRIX platform development: • Validated Platform Requirements: Stakeholder-validated requirements that directly inform key platform features (matchmaking, data sharing, adaptive scenario modeling). • Detailed Network Insights: Visual maps and insights into local stakeholder relationships, enhancing platform visualization tools and relational navigation functionalities. • Innovative Scenario Solutions: Concrete adaptive strategies and policy alignment suggestions, translating into practical tools on the FABRIX platform for overcoming local barriers. • Facilitator Empowerment: Strengthened capabilities of selected facilitators, equipping them with deeper insights into local dynamics essential for effective implementation of subsequent FABRIX phases. • Ongoing Community Engagement: Establishment of an active local stakeholder community supporting iterative development, feedback, and sustainability of the FABRIX platform. 4. Practical Implementation Considerations To optimize the workshop’s effectiveness, the following practical considerations will guide its operationalization: • Stakeholder Mix and Attendance: Aim for a diverse group (~15 participants) representing local T&C businesses (designers, retailers, artisans), policy-makers (municipal/regional officials), and facilitators/NGOs (social enterprises, incubators, advocacy groups) to ensure comprehensive ecosystem representation. • Event Duration and Setup: A focused session of approximately 2.5 hours, followed by informal networking. Organized in a centrally accessible Athens location, ensuring optimal stakeholder attendance. • Language and Accessibility: Conducted primarily in Greek, supplemented with summary materials in English for FABRIX partners and remote observers. • Data Capture and Analysis: Sessions will be audio-recorded (with participant consent), supported by detailed note-taking. Collected qualitative data will be systematically analyzed to refine FABRIX platform functionalities, providing robust empirical foundations for subsequent platform iterations. • Follow-up and Sustained Engagement: Post-workshop communications will summarize key insights, outline subsequent FABRIX activities, and invite participants to ongoing engagement opportunities (platform testing, further co-creation sessions, or pilot implementations).