Social Entrepreneurs' Use of Fab Labs and 3D Printing in South Africa and Kenya

Tobias Schonwetter,Bram Van Wiele

doi:10.23962/10539/30356

Tobias Schonwetter, Bram Van Wiele

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.23962/10539/30356

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Abstract

This article outlines findings from a study in South Africa and Kenya that explored social entrepreneurs' use of fabrication laboratories (fab labs), and in particular fab lab 3D printing services, in order to advance their social innovations and enterprises. Based on interviews with representatives of fab lab initiatives and social enterprises, the study found strong linkages between social entrepreneurship and fab labs, and between social entrepreneurs and the use of 3D printing technology. However, it was also found that social entrepreneurs tend not to rely primarily on fab labs for access to 3D printers, preferring to buy and build their own printer units-a practice made cost-effective through the selection of low-cost, open source models. In respect of the computer-aided design (CAD) software used to design the files for 3D printing, it was found that social entrepreneurs prefer the stability and user-friendliness of proprietary CAD software, despite the cost implications. At the same time, it was found that social entrepreneurs frequently use free and open source CAD files available online, and that they seek, in turn, to share their designs on a free and open source basis.

Highlights

3D printing technology has been touted as revolutionising manufacturing and entrepreneurship, and, in African contexts, serving as a tool to help African nations, inter alia, overcome their “resource curse” (Mathers, 2015; Ortolani & Di Bella, 2014) and “leapfrog” the industrial revolution ( Jacobs, 2015; Mungai, 2015)
In an effort to shed light on the degree to which 3D printing is relevant to the work and business models of social entrepreneurs in African settings, we conducted this study focusing on two modes of 3D printer access currently present in South Africa and Kenya: via fabrication laboratories, and via the use of lowcost, locally made 3D printers
The selection of South Africa and Kenya was based on the fact that these two countries are widely regarded as two of the Sub-Saharan African countries that are furthest down the road in terms of 3D printing initiatives

Summary

Introduction

Social entrepreneurs’ use of fab labs and 3D printing in South Africa and Kenya.The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC), 26, 1-24. In an effort to shed light on the degree to which 3D printing is relevant to the work and business models of social entrepreneurs in African settings, we conducted this study focusing on two modes of 3D printer access currently present in South Africa and Kenya: via fabrication laboratories (fab labs), and via the use of lowcost, locally made 3D printers.

Results

Conclusion