Mapping the India MSME and Academic Landscape of Fashion and Sustainability: Opportunities for UK and India collaborative innovation towards Net Zero emissions and a regenerative fashion system

This report was commissioned by InnovateUK as part of a set of studies supporting the UK mission in fashion and sustainability and aligns with the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, launched in May 2021 19, committed to generating new knowledge for both economies. The study reviews the micro, small and medium fashion enterprise (MSMEs) and academic landscape of fashion and sustainability in India, with reference to potential international collaborative innovation opportunities.

The report is also of relevance to industry and academia relating to fashion and sustainability; socially engaged and commercially driven organisations; those making and influencing policy; intermediaries and organisations supporting the work of SMEs and researching fashion design for sustainability innovation.

The study was set up to investigate the support provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India to design-led MSMEs as a conduit for change towards a more sustainable fashion industry.

Findings provide a mapping of fashion and sustainability HEIs and the research and innovation ecosystem which they support, highlighting areas of strength, growth, and innovation. A series of case studies of sustainable practices of Fashion MSMEs India further exemplify the state of play.

The report outlines routes for collaboration between the UK and India to accelerate a just transition to net zero emissions, and beyond that, to a regenerative fashion system.