June, City of Borås

Pierre Rosengren, CEO of TEX! Marketplace Boras, on the skills shortage, the circular transition, and the future textile city

The textile cluster organisation TEX! Marketplace Boras, based in the Sjuharad region, currently brings together 105 member companies and serves as a central force within the textile ecosystem surrounding Textile Fashion Center. CEO Pierre Rosengren speaks about the industry’s most pressing challenges – and why Boras has all the conditions needed to become Europe’s leading textile hub.

“What competences are most critical for the industry in the coming years?”

“We see needs on several levels simultaneously. For manufacturing companies such as Cansocks and ACG Nystro?m, it is about machine operators and production technicians – professions that require craftsmanship and technical understanding, and where we are seeing a generational shift that is not being replaced quickly enough. At the same time, the industry needs entirely new profiles: people who understand EU regulations and business logic, who can work with Digital Product Passports, circular ??lows, and data-driven design. These competences barely existed five years ago. We must recruit broadly – and fast.”

“Where are the biggest competence gaps today?”

“Sustainability specialists with real industry knowledge are extremely difficult to find. The same applies to textile recycling technicians and process engineers. It is not a lack of interest – it is a lack of educational pathways that match the actual needs. The education system simply cannot keep pace with the rate of transformation demanded by the industry.”

“How far have companies come in working with circular business models?”

“It varies enormously. Some of our members are far ahead and are showing the way, but the majority are still at an early stage. The willingness exists – what is missing is knowledge about how to practically implement the transition. One thing I would especially like to highlight is that we speak too little about business value. It must become clearer how the monetary ??low works within the circular economy – not only the material flows. Where and how do companies make money? That is the question that must be answered if the transition is to accelerate.”

“What is required to make the industry more attractive to young people?”

“We need to present the industry in a modern way – highlighting its connection to the climate transition, innovation, and technology. TEX! Marketplace can serve as a showcase for young people through schools, social media, and events. But companies themselves also need to become more engaged and find new channels. Internships, mentorships, and real-life encounters are invaluable. It is difficult to fall in love with an industry you have never seen from the inside.”

“How do you see the future role of TEX! Marketplace?”

“We want to be the hub – the actor that identifies competence needs, matches companies with the right education, and drives these issues both regionally and nationally. We also see a major need for an open Textile Innovation Lab within Textile Fashion Center – a testbed accessible to everyone, not only those who fit into a project or can afford to pay. Access to infrastructure should not be a privilege.”

“What needs to happen for Bora?s to remain Sweden’s textile capital?”

“We must invest in competences, innovation, and visibility – and do it together. No single actor can manage this alone. Remove the silos and dare to contribute to something where the gain is the total value for the entire ecosystem rather than individual interests. We have the foundation, and we are better than we think – but we can become even better. More focus on output than indicators.” TEX! Marketplace Bora?s was founded in 2009 by the city, academia, and industry. The organisation has 105 member companies and runs networks such as Sustainability Network 7Ha?rad, TEX! CEO Network, and TFC Business Network. Every year, it organises Next Textile and Bora?s Textile Days.