The institute is facilitating the movement of the industry and education through strategic initiatives. The fashion industry is facing fast paced dynamic changes which have resulted in the need for focusing on new areas of opportunities such as succession planning, it empowered fashion education, global sourcing and buying, business process outsourcing, and in creating new age fashion organisations.

In one of the current initiatives, NIFT has put forward a national level cluster development project which serves to initiate a self-sustaining programme towards overall development of craft, cottage industry and small and medium enterprises. NIFT's pivotal presence in various regions enables a wider reach across the country. Fashion spectrum, which is organised at NIFT centres in is an annual event of a multi-dimensional nature and showcases academic works, student talents and alumni achievements. 

During the FASHION SPECTRUM, a day is specially celebrated as a 'State Day' to project and highlight one of Indian state in terms of craft skills, culture and cuisine. The objective of the event is to project the multi-faceted persona of NIFT and its linkages with the industry. Fashion spectrum also gives a platform to students and alumni to interact in these activities which are held in a mela milieu, which also channelises the creative energies of students organising these events.