Textile clusters as change agents for green transformation

Purpose The paper aims to examine the role of cluster organizations embedded in industrial clusters as agents of sustainability-driven competitiveness transformation in the European textile sector. Under increasing regulatory and industrial policy pressures at the EU level, sustainability and circularity are redefining the competitive conditions of the sector. The study identifies green practices supporting the transition to a low-carbon, circular and sustainable economy and analyzes them through the lens of coordination and governance mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach The study covers nine European textile clusters, focusing specifically on the activities of their cluster organizations as meso-level governance actors. In-depth interviews with cluster coordinators were analyzed using open, axial and selective coding to identify and classify green practices across three areas, including integration, access to resources and education and awareness, on a four-level maturity scale. The study provides an empirical application and further development of a previously developed analytical model. Findings The study identifies a comprehensive set of green practices undertaken by cluster organizations within textile clusters across three areas: integration, access to resources and education and awareness, which capture coordination mechanisms implemented by cluster organizations and reflect their governance role in green transformation. These practices can be interpreted as graduated strategic capabilities that support firms in adapting to sustainability-driven competitive pressures. Most clusters were found to apply lower-level initiatives, while more advanced practices were also observed, including cooperation with public authorities in legislative processes, participation in R&D projects and the implementation of green technologies. Research limitations/implications The study’s qualitative design, limited sample size and focus on coordinators restrict generalization. Nevertheless, it contributes to the literature by operationalizing bridging capacity in green transition processes, proposing a four-stage typology of green practices, identifying an implementation gap between declared priorities and applied measures and conceptualizing cluster organizations as hybrid governance structures combining leadership and partnership roles. By linking green transformation to competitiveness dynamics, the study extends existing research on cluster governance and collective value creation. Practical implications Cluster organizations can function as governance platforms for green transformation by mobilizing resources, facilitating access to resources, strengthening value-chain integration, promoting circular models and enhancing environmental competencies among firms. The typology proposed may also support policymakers in designing differentiated industrial policies aligned with the governance maturity of cluster organizations. Social implications Clusters promote environmental awareness and integrate various entities in activities promoting sustainable development. Originality/value The paper advances research on green transformation in industrial clusters by adopting a governance-oriented and processual perspective, using evidence from European textile clusters. It reframes green transformation as a competitiveness-enhancing process mediated by cluster organizations under regulatory and industrial policy pressure. It offers an empirical application and refinement of an analytical model of cluster activities, demonstrating how integrative, resource-based and educational functions constitute the operational dimension of bridging capacity in traditional industrial sectors.