Making the Tools to Do-It-Together: Open-source Compression Screw Manufacturing Case Study

Jacob A. Franz and Joshua Pearce

Journal of Innovation Economics, 2023, vol. N° 40, issue 1, 109-135

Abstract: A remaining challenge to enable free and open-source hardware (FOSH) to catch up with now industry-dominant free and open-source software (FOSS) is identifying appropriate business models. In this article a new FOSH business model is discussed, specialty components for fabricators, using a case study of an open-source screw manufacturer business. The case study explores the economics of building a system that is meant to fabricate a specialty component for other businesses and prosumers working in the distributed recycling and additive manufacturing (DRAM) space. The component payback time is calculated under various scenarios, the sales necessary to provide an enticing income for a small business is quantified, and the point at which business expansion is necessary is determined. The results indicate that, to serve the burgeoning DRAM market, more than 1,000 small businesses could follow a Do-It-Together (DIT) approach of sharing FOSH designs while manufacturing and profiting locally. JEL Codes: L17, O36

Keywords: Open Source; Open Hardware; Open-source Business Model; Open-source Markets; Open Innovation; Case Study; Collaboration; Frugal Innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L17 O36 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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