Within the framework of the Lead Markets Initiative, the European Commission has selected 6 markets, of which technical textiles for intelligent personal protective clothing and equipment: € 10 billion turnover, around 200 000 jobs directly, 50% potential growth in the coming years. In order to support innovation and the development of this sector, the European Commission proposed the member states an action plan based on intellectual property, public procurement, SME involvement in the development of standards... Moreover, the development of this specific market would drive the competitivity of the whole textile and apparel sector.
Further information on http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/leadmarket/technical_textiles.htm

Source: Europa Jan. 7th 2008