ABSTRACT
Technological focus is based around the issues of processing and fabrication as well as the compatibility with existing equipment, the interconnection of components into the system and the education and knowledge of staff. These issues are the major technological barriers to the exploitation of smart textiles. It is also the practical implementation of smart textile technologies such as the awareness and acceptance of smart textiles, the ease of use, the service system, the promotion and life cycle of the product as well as the subsequent added value that contribute to an economic and societal advantage. Costs are a barrier that accounts for all the three dimensions of barriers are discussed. Barriers are provided for the progress in intelligent textiles is of technological, strategic and societal and economical origin. The multidisciplinary nature makes smart textiles a challenging field for education and training of students and recruitment of the needed technical workforce.
