COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS MODELS FOR RESHAPING GLOBAL NORTH–SOUTH PARTNERSHIPS IN TEXTILES — ADVOCATING FOR ENGAGEMENT AND EMPOWERMENT OF MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES

In global textile supply chains, in which business models structure often mainly favours players in the global North — focusing on economic growth and financial gains — perspectives from the global South are often obscured and not being considered in shaping these models. This paper advocates pathways for Collaborative Business Models to reshape Global North–South partnerships, ensuring equitable, inclusive partnerships that empower marginalised groups as active decision-makers and co-creators in the transformation process. Looking at three case studies in India, Uganda, and Ghana, from the perspective of the Global South, this paper addresses the importance of dialogue throughout the supply chain. The paper concludes that reshaping Global North–South partnerships in textiles necessitates the active engagement and empowerment of marginalised communities. Pathways to Collaborative Business Models need to ensure real connections and partnerships, not mere ‘suppliers’ or ‘buyers’ but relationships between value-contributors and co-creators. These models are grounded in principles of resilience and accountability.