ATEVAL is a non-profit business association that represents more than 300 companies across the textile value chain, with a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The organisation operates within the textile industrial ecosystem and works to support companies in adapting to the main transformations affecting the sector. Its activities take place at regional, national, and European levels, with the overall objective of strengthening the competitiveness, innovation capacity, sustainability, and digital transformation of the textile and manufacturing industries. In this role, ATEVAL acts as a link between different stakeholders, including companies, education and training providers, technology centres, public authorities, and research organisations. By connecting these actors, the association promotes collaboration, skills development, and knowledge transfer, helping the sector respond to emerging technological and environmental challenges. ATEVAL also has extensive experience in European cooperation projects. It regularly participates in initiatives funded under programmes such as Erasmus+, COSME, I3, Horizon Europe, and Eurocluster programmes. Within these projects, the organisation contributes to activities such as capacity building, stakeholder engagement, communication and dissemination, training support, and outreach to industry. Thanks to its close relationship with companies and clusters, ATEVAL has direct access to end users and can clearly identify the real needs of the textile industry. This allows the organisation to support the testing, validation, and adoption of project results by companies. In addition, ATEVAL provides grant and subsidy management services for its member companies. It supports them throughout the entire process—from identifying suitable funding opportunities and preparing applications to managing the project and completing the final financial justification. The association also helps companies access tax deductions related to research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) activities, enabling them to maximise the financial benefits of their innovation investments. ATEVAL further assists companies in international project development and management. It helps build consortia, prepare European project proposals, and manage administrative and coordination tasks once projects are approved. At the same time, the association generates its own strategic initiatives aimed at improving the competitiveness of the textile sector and identifying new business and innovation opportunities for its members. From a business development perspective, ATEVAL also supports companies in expanding into new markets. This includes organising participation in international trade fairs, business missions, and sector promotion activities. In parallel, the organisation manages research, development, and innovation projects that help companies introduce new products, technologies, and processes. Finally, ATEVAL provides specialised services in areas such as environmental management, energy efficiency, and industrial safety. Through these activities, the association represents the interests of the textile sector in relevant institutional and industry forums while promoting sustainability and responsible industrial practices across the sector.
