Evaluating the Effect of 3D Printing Technologies on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Practical Case Study

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) in many countries are drivers of innovative development economy. The innovative activity of HEI depends on both internal and external factors. Today, more and more emphasis is placed on innovative ecosystems, in which the HEI acts as one of the active actors in cooperation with business, government, public and private organizations. The research case study paper explores and compares the approaches development of regional innovation ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Teaching initiative, as well as an assessment of its impact on the results of this particular innovation method at the HCT. The case study reveals on the topic of using and adapting 3D printing technologies in the field of education. 3D printing technologies can be applied to teach technological skills in different fields, including the field of education. They also contribute to the reorientation of attention from the digital or virtual environment to the real world, since the results of educational activities are not sketches and models, but real objects with given characteristics. 3D printing technologies are among the fastest growing and promising technologies. These technologies can significantly contribute to the introduction of new forms of organization of the educational process, increase motivation and the formation of the necessary competencies of learners, graduates and teaching faculties. The objective of this paper is to review the basic issues related to 3D printing technology initiative as a process of technological transition though integrating the technological innovation into the educational ecosystem and measuring its impact on students. The paper elaborates this practical showcase experience through a case study of ‘Al Ibtikar’ – Innovation and Entrepreneurship Club at HCT to provide empirical support for similar industrial and education players to better predict the innovation trajectory through 3D technologies in the future. In this way, the research presents a conceptual framework that provides a foundation for discussing 3D technology and discover a development prediction of 3D printing technology in the lens of using this practice in the educational process.