Collaborating with a Scottish Heritage Brand towards Enhancing and Preserving Sustainable Artisan Hand-Weaving Practices through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership

This paper discusses a Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) with global Scottish heritage brand to develop year-round sustainable business model through design-led approach new product innovation that improves their sustainability credentials. Sustainability in textile production is under increasing scrutiny from the media, governments, regulators, and consumers, all demanding transparency supply chain. The company has an excellent track record of employment rural communities sought project improve processes waste output. vast topic, where collaboration can help address these key challenges. manages artisan hand-weaving manufacturing system yarn fabric finishing are regulated by 1993 Harris Tweed Act Parliament protects restricts Outer Hebrides. success or failure Tweed® industry directly impacts wider economy Hebrides, which considered “remote, rural, fragile” UK governments economic development agencies. describes how academic/business positively encourage reposition businesses within changing landscape explores opportunities. reflects on KTPs mechanism mutual benefits, pooling individual knowledge resources strong, sustainable, authentic relationships provide tangible generation application scholarly research context be clearly aligned notions bringing value sector, users, curriculum.