Fashion Innovation System Policy: Probing regional innovation systems to optimise digital manufacturing for fashion designers
type: CreativeWork
description: Departing from the conventional 'one-size-fits-all' model, a novel approach to Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) has emerged, acknowledging the diverse traits of regions and sectors, thereby giving rise to RIS pathway approaches. In mature industries, particularly the fashion sector, innovation resistance poses a significant challenge among industrial actors. This study investigates the adoption of apparel digital manufacturing (ADM), specifically utilising 3D design software, as a strategic response to the costing challenges faced by Designer Fashion Enterprises (DFEs) to mitigate the risk of business failures. However, the prevalence of innovation resistance necessitates political interventions to optimise the implementation of ADM practices. Governmentsponsored fashion RIS initiatives in Seoul and London are actively working to establish digital manufacturing hubs, indicating a strategic push towards technological advancement. This research aims to identify optimal ADM practices for DFEs in these two cities, enhancing RIS performance. The study employs cross-cultural case studies to assess the practicality of ADM, utilising a comprehensive data collection approach encompassing a survey (n = 352), in-depth interviews (n = 30), and observational analysis (n = 10). Findings from the research reveal three key drivers for change: business competitiveness, process innovation, and ease of implementation. Conversely, identified barriers to innovation adoption include the perceived complexity of implementation, compromise of authenticity, lack of requisite knowledge and facilities, and inertia. This study contributes valuable insights to theoretical understanding and practical implementation and establishes a noteworthy correlation between Hofstede's power distance levels and the adoption of fashion innovation. The research emphasises systemic issues within fashion RIS that fail to effectively address innovation resistance factors among incumbent firms. Recommendations in…
abstract: Departing from the conventional 'one-size-fits-all' model, a novel approach to Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) has emerged, acknowledging the diverse traits of regions and sectors, thereby giving rise to RIS pathway approaches. In mature industries, particularly the fashion sector, innovation resistance poses a significant challenge among industrial actors. This study investigates the adoption of apparel digital manufacturing (ADM), specifically utilising 3D design software, as a strategic response to the costing challenges faced by Designer Fashion Enterprises (DFEs) to mitigate the risk of business failures. However, the prevalence of innovation resistance necessitates political interventions to optimise the implementation of ADM practices. Governmentsponsored fashion RIS initiatives in Seoul and London are actively working to establish digital manufacturing hubs, indicating a strategic push towards technological advancement. This research aims to identify optimal ADM practices for DFEs in these two cities, enhancing RIS performance. The study employs cross-cultural case studies to assess the practicality of ADM, utilising a comprehensive data collection approach encompassing a survey (n = 352), in-depth interviews (n = 30), and observational analysis (n = 10). Findings from the research reveal three key drivers for change: business competitiveness, process innovation, and ease of implementation. Conversely, identified barriers to innovation adoption include the perceived complexity of implementation, compromise of authenticity, lack of requisite knowledge and facilities, and inertia. This study contributes valuable insights to theoretical understanding and practical implementation and establishes a noteworthy correlation between Hofstede's power distance levels and the adoption of fashion innovation. The research emphasises systemic issues within fashion RIS that fail to effectively address innovation resistance factors among incumbent firms. Recommendations in…
author: Seo, Min Ji
language: en
keywords: Clothing/Fashion Design
identifier: Seo, Min Ji <https://ualresearchonline.arts.ac.uk/view/creators/Seo=3AMin_Ji=3A=3A.html> (2024) Fashion Innovation System Policy: Probing regional innovation systems to optimise digital manufacturing for fashion designers. PhD thesis, University of the Arts London.
date published: 2024-03
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:00:50Z
provider: University of the Arts London
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of the Arts London