Comparative Analysis of Industrial Cooperation Opportunities in the EAEU and in the EU on the Example of the Textile Industry

Today, humanity is entering the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which implies rapid innovative development of technologies, digitalization of the economy, spread of the “industry 4.0” and the Internet of things. In order to be among the leading countries in a changing technological and economic environment, countries have to find the most promising niches. Russia, relying on the export of raw materials and energy resources, risks remain outside the main trends of the world economy. Nowadays the light and textile industries are one of the most promising areas of the manufacturing industry, capable of providing a breakthrough in the economy and sustainable development of society. Developed countries are already transforming this industry by introducing digital technologies and changing the product life cycle. The paper researches the theoretical concepts of cooperation, the international division of labor, and value chains. The EU light industry was studied and analyzed to determine the main trends in industrial cooperation and determine the factors ensuring the rapid development of the industry. The level of development of the textile and light industry in Russia and the level of development of cooperation with the EAEU countries was assessed. An analysis of the market and trade in textiles in the EAEU made it possible to identify potential partners and develop recommendations for increasing cooperation in improving the quality of products of the textile industry.