Dynamics of innovation in makerspaces and fabrication labs: a systematic literature review

Gautam Sharma () and Stuti Haldar ()
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Gautam Sharma: CIRCLE, Lund University, Postal: CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, PO Box 117, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
Stuti Haldar: CIRCLE, Lund University, Postal: CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, PO Box 117, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden

No 2023/10, Papers in Innovation Studies from Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research

Abstract: Makerspaces and fabrication laboratories (fablabs) have received extensive attention recently due to their potential to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. These spaces provide access to high-tech tools to the people and encourage community building and collaborations around technology-oriented projects. This paper analyzes the existing research on the innovation dynamics within these spaces. Seventy peer-reviewed studies were selected and thematically analyzed from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results are analyzed and presented as descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. We found nine significant themes from the extant literature: 1) Collaborations, learning and sharing practices in makerspaces; 2) Motivations and spatial environment affecting makerspace innovations; 3) Physical Resources, experimentations, and knowledge dimension of makerspaces; 4) Diversity and inclusion aspects of makerspaces; 5) Social and economic impact of innovation in makerspaces; 6) Regional innovation policies and maker cultures; 7) Maker movement in different regions; 8) Maker movement and the city culture; and 9) Academic makerspaces and innovation. The paper contributes to the broader literature on innovation dynamics within informal spaces like makerspaces and fablabs.

Keywords: makerspaces; fabrication laboratories; fab labs; creative open spaces; innovation; systematic literature review; thematic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O30 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 48 pages
Date: 2023-10-31
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-ent, nep-ino, nep-sbm, nep-tid and nep-ure
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