Title: Measuring the technological development of the textiles and clothing industry in Hong Kong

Authors: Kai-chiu Ho, Patrick Chi-leung Hui, Xiaoming Tao, Philip Kwok-wing Yeung

Addresses: Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Abstract: This paper addresses the need to review the current industrial status and technological development of Hong Kong|s textiles and clothing industry due to keen competition from both newly industrialised and developing countries. The literature review identifies 5 key indicators, as well as their input and output data, for measuring the technological development of the T&C industry. They are, namely, productivity, quality, flexibility, skill and innovation. Apart from the 5 indicators, there are two additional factors, namely, government policy and environmental impacts. They will also influence the technological development of the T&C industry. A time series analysis will be used for developing a model of the five key indicators and two additional factors for measuring the technological development of the T&C industry. Based on the findings of the study, a ||technometric|| model will be developed in the later stage of the study. We will then construct a ||technometric|| profile for evaluating and comparing the technological performance levels of the textiles and clothing industry in Hong Kong with other developed countries, i.e., the USA and Italy.

Keywords: technological change; technology; textiles and clothing industry; Hong Kong.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2003.003430

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.4 No.3, pp.255 - 286

Published online: 07 Sep 2003 *

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