Supporting research and innovation capabilities in the hardware maker innovation ecosystem in collaboration with African makerspaces.
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Makerspaces are vital to Africa’s innovation ecosystem. They train the next generation of engineers, support start-ups in design and prototyping, and help local factories develop new products, promoting a shift towards distributed local production and fostering new economic growth. Despite their potential, the impact of makerspaces remains under-researched.
The Innovative Manufacturing in Africa Project aims to strengthen the research capabilities of makerspaces, conduct studies on decentralized production, and gather evidence on their impacts.
These efforts will significantly bolster the research and financial stability of makerspaces, supporting sustainable economic growth and resilient livelihoods in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.
These 9 makerspaces and their machines will be featured on the Internet of Production global map of machinery developed under Open Know-How initative.
The People & Skills Specification (PSS) is tested by makers participating in production, to gather learnings that will inform the creation of a digital Maker passport.
Makers and makerspaces will participate in the distributed production of 1125 items across 3 countries and 9 makerspaces.
Nine African makerspaces received an award of $19,000 USD to participate in the Innovative Manufacturing in Africa Project. These makerspaces are led by or serve underrepresented or marginalised groups. These awards supported their participation in the project.
Design and Technology Institute (DTI)
Kumasi Hive
Triple Dimension
Gearbox
IOMe254
FabLab Winam
Flat Rock Studio
The Makerspace Durban
TMG Makerspace
A data management plan and a report on makerspaces impact indicators have been published to help the cohort to collect data with support of experts mentors.
RESEARCH MENTORING GUIDE
An open catalogue of business models for makerspaces developed based on research and interviews. A website will be developed to publish and guide adoption.
Open catalogue of Business Models1,125 items with 3 levels of complexity to be produced across the 9 participating makerspaces and to be donated to local healthcare facilities, following by a report on distributed manufacturing.
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AMEG united over 70 stakeholders to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration among African makerspaces. Hosted by Fadia Elgharib, the event established strong connections and partnerships, emphasizing resource sharing and continuous learning.
These trials involved makers in three African countries collaboratively producing 1,125 products across nine makerspaces. The goal was to empower local manufacturers, increase economic opportunities and improve financial stability for makers and their spaces. The trials also tested innovative infrastructures like machine mapping and maker passports to ensure high-quality standards in distributed manufacturing.
Guide in support of research mentoring program development as part of the Research and Innovations Systems for Africa (RISA), Innovative Manufacturing in Africa Awards (IMA) programme.
The Open Catalogue of Business Models, developed by the MAKE project, contributes to the financial sustainability of makerspaces and support the creation of a decentralized production ecosystem.
Slides from the Internet of Production Alliance December 2023 Community Call, during which Anna Sera Lowe of Manufacturing Change launched the new Business Models Catalogue and LocalEconomies.org for makerspaces and small-scale production.
These slides are from the community call with Research and Community Engagement Lead Sarah Hutton, joined by community experts, discussing how the standards are being tested in the Innovative Manufacturing in Africa program and the mAkE Consortium project. To view a recording of the call, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYljJyDKN3Y
