Geographical scope: Europe
Client type: EU Commission – DG GROW
Year: 2021

The EU commission required a methodology to collect and analyze data to monitor the competitiveness of the EU textile ecosystems and the fashion industry. CSIL tested, discussed and validated an observatory (replicable in the future) gathering focused info on EU sector competitiveness, innovation capacity, and economic relevance in the global context.  In addition to a deep review of the existing literature, CSIL conducted focused interviews and organized thematic focus groups with sector stakeholders along the textile-fashion value chain.

Geographical scope: Azerbaijan
Client: EBRD – European Bank for Reconstruction and development
Year: 2019

The EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) required that CSIL perform a market Due Diligence to assess an investment program planned by a furniture manufacturer which was trying to consolidate its position of leadership in the Azerbaijani furniture market and increase its product quality and performance. CSIL conducted a critical review of the investment plan based on a field mission in Azerbaijan with the scope of gathering additional information on the project rationale.  Topics evaluated included the size of the Azerbaijani furniture market and its prospects, the company’s positioning, the company’s development strategy and its coherence with the proposed investment plan.

Geographical scope: Ukraine
Client type: EBRD – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Year: 2017-2018

CSIL was assigned by the EBRD – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, under the EU4Business Initiative – to develop a roadmap to improve the Ukrainian furniture sector’s growth and its competitiveness. Through several field visits (Kiev, Lviv, other regions) and meetings with sector stakeholders, CSIL investigated the competitive landscape in the domestic market, the competitiveness of Ukraine furniture production both domestically and in the export markets, the status of the industry and of the Ukrainian supply chain, including its strengths and weaknesses. CSIL developed an action plan that provided a coherent and coordinated framework for designing and implementing initiatives addressing the furniture sector. At the end of the study, the EBRD invited CSIL to Kyiv to present the proposal to industry stakeholders from different Ukrainian regions and segments of the national furniture value chain. The action plan received wide support.

Geographical scope: Europe
Client: Scandinavian trade association
Year: 2014-2017-2021

On behalf of a Scandinavian trade association, CSIL periodically evaluates the competitive positioning of the target furniture industry in the EU context by benchmarking its performance with the ones of other leading manufacturing countries in the EU. The target furniture industry is benchmarked using a set of variables of interest including, among others, competitiveness indicators such as value-added creation, the role of intangible investments (design), market performance, and product innovation scoring.

Geographical scope: Italy/World
Client: Italian Trade Association
Year: 2014

The client required an analysis of the competitive advantages of the “made in Italy” label in the furniture sector, mapping and benchmarking different aspects: business models, export performances, distribution approaches, design and intangible investments, internationalization approaches, presence of industrial clusters, and attractiveness of sector exhibitions. CSIL provided the client with a detailed SWOT analysis summarizing the strengths (actual and prospective) of Italian furniture production as well as the potential obstacles to further growth.

Geographical scope: Europe
Client: EU Commission – DG Enterprise and Industry
Year: 2013-2014

The EU commission requested that CSIL, as a partner of a consortium, conduct a study on the furniture industry in the EU. The main goal was to evaluate the need for improved information on furniture products when circulating on the market. The research analyzed whether a possible EU initiative could increase awareness among end-users regarding the quality and origin of products and, at the same time, raise the competitiveness of EU products. The study outlined and evaluated possible policy options to tackle the identified problems, improve market transparency, and increase consumer awareness in decision-making when buying furniture products. CSIL performed multiple analyses on competitiveness, the value chain demand drivers, and pricing.

Geographical scope: Worldwide
Client: Asian trade association
Year: 2013- ongoing

On behalf of an Asian trade association, CSIL developed a yearly observatory to analyze the target country’s role in the global furniture context and its competitiveness in 30 target markets. The study analyses furniture products’ market penetration, performances vs competitors, as well as trade barriers and opportunities. The analysis continues to be conducted for all furniture product segments including kitchen furniture, office furniture, household furniture, and mattresses.