Drs. Nancy L. Cassill, Professor and Managing Editor of JTATM and Peter Kilduff, Associate Professor.

Welcome to this issue of JTATM devoted to "Globalization of the Textile and Apparel Industries." This issue presents a series of articles focusing on a variety of topics --- a global trade update, an update on industries and consumers in select regions of the world, technological advances, and consumers' role in global market dynamics. We also include globalization experiences taking place here in the College of Textiles --- industry and government personnel are assisting in educational efforts to share global marketplace dynamics with students and faculty!

Globalization is requiring companies to invest in new products, processes, systems and, above all, people. Such investment has been necessary in order to successfully meet the unique challenges of serving highly competitive global markets. While employers still need expert product and process technologists, they are increasingly emphasizing new capabilities. These include marketing research; new product development; technology management; operations and supply chain management; and knowledge management. They are also developing a new calibre of management to provide solutions within a more novel and dynamic work environment. The need is not just for individuals with language skills but also for individuals with cultural skills and creative problem solving capabilities.

Not surprisingly, therefore, globalization has had a significant impact on textile and apparel education. Indeed, it is an important theme that runs throughout the curriculum in the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Knowledge of the nature and dynamics of international markets, trade and competition are fundamentals taught through our TATM graduate and undergraduate programs. We also operate extensive international student exchange programs. These permit our students and those of sister institutions around the world to build an international experience into their education.

In recognition of the growing importance of business issues in a global environment, the College has expanded its management faculty to include nine business specialists in the areas of market and consumer dynamics; business information and knowledge management; strategic planning and industry analysis; new product development and innovation management; supply chain management and logistics; technology management; and financial management. The College has also established a specialist research unit, TABIC, to conduct research into the dynamics of international textile and apparel markets and marketing strategy. TABIC's remit involves working closely with companies and government organizations. Recently, TABIC reported on the strategic changes taking place in the US textile and apparel industries. For further information on the work of TABIC visit www.tabic.ncsu.edu.