Supply chains

Knowledge Intensive Business Services - gaps in environmental management in the textile and garment sector: Synthesis report

A critical weakness in the environmental management systems in the textile and garment sector is the lack of business services to provide high level, technical expertise, and services in environmental management. These types of knowledge activities and services are referred to as knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) and are critical in supporting innovation and new knowledge acquisition in workplaces and sectors.

KIBS are important conduits for knowledge and innovation in emerging economies, although in these
economies they may not be as prevalent as in developed economies. Developing markets for KIBS can be an
important avenue for increasing innovation (including eco-innovation) and knowledge intensity in sectors and
economies.

Analysis and mapping of KIBS access and availability in four countries – Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia,
and Viet Nam highlights access to these services is hampering enhanced environmental sustainability in the
sector. This Brief summarizes the comparative analysis of these four country studies.