The role of makerspaces in supporting consumer innovation and diffusion: An empirical analysis

Maria A. Halbinger

Research Policy, 2018, vol. 47, issue 10, 2028-2036

Abstract: Makerspaces are open communities for tinkering, innovating, and socializing: They are equipped with tools and training that support “making” by participants. It has been argued that makerspaces can be a powerful vehicle to enhance both innovation and innovation diffusion by consumers. This research note offers initial empirical evidence for these claims. Through a survey of 558 participants drawn from makerspaces worldwide, the study shows that the innovation rate is about 53% and that the diffusion rate is about 18% among these individuals – substantially higher than the innovation and diffusion rates found in national innovation surveys of general populations, i.e. individuals who innovate independently at home at their own discretion.

Keywords: Consumer innovation; Commercial diffusion; Makerspaces; Collaboration; User innovation; Innovation policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: H5 O3 O4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (33)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:respol:v:47:y:2018:i:10:p:2028-2036

DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2018.07.008

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