Impact of the Fablab Ecosystem in the Sustainable Value Creation Process

Abstract

The value creation concept aims to create not just a paradigm shift in developmental strategies, but also a shift in the distribution of livelihood, thereby providing adequate means of wealth and job creation to the populace in the developed, and developing countries. In response to the need for adequate value creation, some initiatives were rolled out to tackle the urgent issue of inadequate value creation, among which is FabLab. FabLab signifies fabrication laboratory, it is a small-scale workshop equipped with flexible computer controlled tools and systems for the production of digital fabrications of widely distributed products, which are used to encourage creativity and innovation among individuals irrespective of their anthropological status.

This paper provides the result of the research survey conducted to explore the tools and techniques used within the FabLab ecosystems to ensure its sustainability, analyze the growth pattern of FabLab, and finally uncover both the socio-technical and socio-economic impact of the FabLab ecosystems. A total number of 94 (N=94) respondents participated in the online survey globally. From the survey, we discovered that FabLab have been productive up to date, though the lack of a formalized operating structure and unified communication platform amongst other constraints poses as the major impediments to the full effectiveness of the initiative.

Keywords: Collaboration, FabLab, Innovation, Sustainability, Value creation