Search

The purpose of this study is to explore the emerging issue of Digital Transformation (DT) in the Greek fashion industry, which according to literature, is highly fragmented, populated by a large number of digitally immature SMEs and financially strained, even before the outburst of the COVID-19 crisis. This paper aims to explore the current level of knowledge, understanding and adoption of Digital Transformation from fashion companies in Greece, by evaluating the results of an online survey of sixty middle and top-level executives from the fashion industry. The descriptive analysis of the survey data reveals the aforementioned technology lag and -among other findings- showcases the need for a more comprehensive, efficient, structured, less fragmented and coordinated approach towards developing a digital strategy and implementation roadmap that will guide fashion companies through the harsh realities of the post-COVID19 era, as dictated and imposed by the 'next normal' for manufacturers and retailers all over the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overproduction and overconsumption of textile products has led to a call for systems and behavioural change towards a circular economy. Correct material flows through a circular system are difficult to achieve, but emerging technology may provide some answers. Among these technologies, blockchain, smart tags and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are showing promising solutions. However, adopting technology gives rise to certain challenges. Observing the global trend in digital transformation, this paper investigates the adoption of blockchain and its associated technologies. Through interviews with designers and technology providers, it identifies the challenges specific to the small and medium enterprise sector. It finds a number of areas that require focus – some outside and some within the control of the business owner. These include the need for more effective communication channels between the information systems (IS) sector and fashion industry stakeholders if the digital transformation of the circular economy is to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]