Until the 1980s technological innovation in textiles was largely rooted in the chemistry of the raw materials. The boom in synthetic textiles continued until the early 80s; superpolymers mixed with natural fibres made more than half of the mass production. This type of innovation became commonplace and ceased providing a competitive advantage.
The purpose of the KSC project is to develop and organize Culture and Scientific Research Districts; a group of twelve new districts in an area of approximately 15,000 hectares, where the three prefectures of Kyoto, Osaka and Nara meet. By this development method, in which the area is divided into a group of small districts, harmonization with the natural environment and the local communities is made possible.
92 industrial districts appear on the portal of the Italian Industrial Districts Club. They are found in many traditional industry sectors: food, paper, plastics, rubber, mechanics, jewellery, leather, shoes, furniture, textiles, and clothing. The profile of each district outlines among others its specialisation, number of companies and employees, and sales turnover.