A Study on Preparedness of Key Institutions to Advance Inclusive Growth for Small & Medium Producers of The Boutique Fashion Industry in Bangladesh

Abstract

Boutique Fashion of Bangladesh is an iconic industry with potential to take Bangladeshi cultural heritage to the global domain. It is a fast-growing industry that historically has portrayed the characteristics of a developing country where labour intensity, artisan approach, small and medium entrepreneurship, and local heritage have played a huge role. Despite the industry’s potential to advance inclusive growth, its players, mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are largely neglected. This raise the question of institutional preparedness to support this industry. This study deploys the Triple Triangle Framework (TTF) to first summarize SME competitiveness priorities along nine dimensions of three TTF domains. Later, institutional preparedness has been assessed keeping eight relevant organizations in focus. The study is based on extensive literature review and top-level depth interviews. The finding suggests, despite its potential impact, the industry does not rank high in the list of government’s priority sectors/interventions. While the boutique industry leaders will be able to craft an action-agenda based on the findings of this research, government agencies too will be able to formulate necessary policies and promote institutional arrangements.

Keywords: SME, Boutique, Fashion, Inclusive Growth, Facilitating Institutions, Preparedness