The textile sector has been dramatically transformed in recent years by the impact of changing consumer needs, market segmentation, new technologies and globalization. In this climate of continuous change and increasing competition, fiber producers, textile and textile product manufacturers,and retailers are striving to meet the needs of their customers with an increased emphasis on the design and development of innovative products.

Left to Right: Traci May-Plumlee, Assistant Professor; Nancy Powell, Associate Professor; Martin King, Professor

To be successful it is increasingly important to build new products and processes around vertically integrated partnerships with one's customers and suppliers within the supply chain. This issue of JTATM provides examples of how this can be achieved.

Scientists and designers alike will find sources for creative inspiration in an article on product innovation resources. The integration of technology and consumer products is discussed in articles on the emerging field of "electrotextiles". Other articles examine the growing realm of medical textiles and their applications from sutures to surgical gowns. Body scanning and e-commerce technologies that allow product developers to reach out to the ultimate consumer are also discussed in this issue.

Advances in manufacturing processes parallel the development of new products as demonstrated in articles on yarn spinning, weaving, and fabric finishing. Effective new product development also requires appropriate business strategies and a supportive business environment. In this issue, Unifi shares its method of bringing new products to market. Another article underlines the importance and relevance of following the Six Sigma approach to new product development. The commercial success of new textile products and processes is frequently affected by the conditions and regulations controlling international trade.

Accompanying the growing emphasis on product development in the textile, apparel and related industries has been an increasing focus on textile product design and development in the curriculum at North Carolina State University. Product development is an integral component of the textiles curriculum and of the new medical textiles program. The College has expanded its design faculty, most recently bringing in a new faculty member with extensive industry experience in design. The recently initiated undergraduate Anni Albers Scholars Program in Textile Design represents a revolutionary collaboration between two renowned NCSU Colleges, Textiles and Design. At the graduate level, new directions provide expanded opportunities for students interested in textile product design and development. Our facilities are also growing to support the expanded educational program emphasis, and to provide opportunities for research into innovative new products, and the processes that make them a reality.