Jurrie Barkel
Jurrie Barkel is Head of the Bachelor’s programme in Fashion & Textile Technologies at Saxion, where he focuses on innovation, sustainability and internationalisation within the field of textiles. With extensive experience in both professional practice and higher education, he is able to bridge the gap between current developments in the textile and fashion industries and the training of future professionals.
Throughout his career, Jurrie has collaborated with companies, trade associations and research institutions on issues relating to sustainable textile supply chains, product innovation, the circular economy and international cooperation. He has gained practical experience in various roles at WE Fashion, as a board member at Sheltersuit and as a lecturer in Business Studies. This practical experience forms an important foundation for his teaching and research activities and helps students to link theory directly to the realities of the professional world.
In addition to his role as a lecturer and researcher, he actively contributes to the development of international study programmes, minors and practice-oriented projects. This is also the case in his role as treasurer at the De Maere Foundation. Through his collaborative approach, he brings together students, researchers and professionals to work on innovative solutions to the challenges facing tomorrow’s fashion and textile sector.
His expertise focuses on sustainable and circular textile systems, product and material innovation, supply chain issues and the impact of technological developments on the textile sector. In addition, he has extensive experience in curriculum development, the internationalisation of education, establishing international partnerships and supervising multidisciplinary projects involving education, research and industry.
Jurrie brings together students, businesses and research institutions to develop innovative solutions to societal and industrial challenges. A key focus is on translating real-world issues into education and research. His strength lies in connecting people, disciplines and organisations to accelerate knowledge development and innovation.
Core areas of expertise:
- Sustainable and circular textile supply chains, including legislation
- Fashion & Textile Technologies
- Product and material innovation
- Practice-oriented research
- Educational innovation and curriculum development
- Internationalisation of education
- Public-private partnership
- Project development and stakeholder management
- Knowledge commercialisation and impact generation
- Talent development in an international context