Additive manufacturing in South Africa: critical success factors

Abstract

Despite the advances and significant benefits of additive manufacturing globally, Africa and several developing countries are lagging behind due to several adoption barriers. South Africa has nevertheless made significant gains in the area of additive manufacturing over the past three decades. The current study examines the critical success factors that have led to South Africa’s relative success in the field of additive manufacturing by overcoming the barriers. One of such success factors was the demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to additive manufacturing through huge investments. The building of human capital through education and research in the area of additive manufacturing is another factor. The development of a strong collaboration between industry and research involving both local and international institutions represents another success factor in South Africa’s additive manufacturing growth. Lastly, a positive national culture that drives the adoption of new technologies which is defined by the display of low power distance, high individuality, masculinity, and lower uncertainty avoidance index is another success factor of additive manufacturing in South Africa.