‘Making’ in India: Understanding Makerspaces and Fablabs in the Indian Informal Innovation Context

Gautam Sharma ()
Additional contact information
Gautam Sharma: CIRCLE, Lund University, Postal: CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, PO Box 117, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden

No 2024/2, Papers in Innovation Studies from Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research

Abstract: This study explores makerspaces and fablabs within India's informal innovation context, traditionally associated with grassroots innovators, frugal innovations, and 'jugaad' practices. It introduces a Global South perspective to the largely Global North-dominated discourse on makerspaces and fablabs, highlighting how these spaces function in a unique socio-economic context in India. The research examines the foundational reasons for establishing makerspaces and fablabs in India, their role in fostering innovation networks, and the specific challenges they face, especially in terms of their operations. This paper contrasts with the existing literature, which often focuses on perspectives and experiences from more advanced regions. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 respondents, including founders, managers, employees, and users of various makerspaces, the study provides an insightful understanding of the Indian scenario. Findings reveal that these spaces in India primarily support startups and entrepreneurial initiatives, marking a shift from the original maker movement's DIY focus. Efforts to include rural, artisan, and grassroots innovator communities are evident, reflecting a commitment to broader innovation inclusivity. This paper contributes to the understanding of the changing dynamics of makerspaces and fablabs in the context of India's innovation landscape. It emphasizes the need for strategies to ensure equitable access and participation, crucial for the sustainability and growth of these innovation spaces. The insights are valuable for policymakers, educators, and makerspaces practitioners in fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems.

Keywords: makerspaces; fabrication laboratories; fablabs; innovation; informal innovation; India (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O30 O31 O53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 43 pages
Date: 2024-01-23
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-ent, nep-ino and nep-sbm
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://wp.circle.lu.se/upload/CIRCLE/workingpapers/202402_sharma.pdf Full text (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hhs:lucirc:2024_002

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in Papers in Innovation Studies from Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, PO Box 117, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden. Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Torben Schubert ().