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The environmental value and impact of the Maker movement—Insights from a cross‐case analysis of European maker initiatives

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  • Elisabeth Unterfrauner
  • Jing Shao
  • Margit Hofer
  • Claudia M. Fabian

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the environmental value of the Maker movement, which is driving digital fabrication into the mainstream. Makers are inspiring each other to create smart solutions for all types of individual needs and address societal and environmental challenges at the same time. They share their creative ideas and solutions in collaborative work spaces and Maker Faires or on social media platforms. Is this grassroots innovation the beginning of the next industrial revolution? This paper will explore the environmental value and impact of makers' innovative business model and discuss on how to increase the circularity. At the same time, we will describe the role of maker communities and how to help to play a better role. In the framework of a case study analysis based on 10 different Maker initiatives across Europe, 39 interviews were conducted with makers and Maker initiatives managers evaluating core questions such as potential environmental value and impact, value chains, and energy efficient behaviours. This study is expected to contribute to building an explorative but yet empirically rooted analysis of the environmental value and impact of the Maker movement. Furthermore, the challenges in the future and the suggestions for policy makers are provided.

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  • Elisabeth Unterfrauner & Jing Shao & Margit Hofer & Claudia M. Fabian, 2019. "The environmental value and impact of the Maker movement—Insights from a cross‐case analysis of European maker initiatives," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(8), pages 1518-1533, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:28:y:2019:i:8:p:1518-1533
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2328
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    2. Cheng, Xiu & Wu, Fan & Long, Ruyin & Li, Wenbo, 2021. "Uncovering the effects of learning capacity and social interaction on the experienced utility of low-carbon lifestyle guiding policies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
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    6. Simone Sehnem & Adriane A. Farias S. L. de Queiroz & Susana Carla Farias Pereira & Gabriel dos Santos Correia & Edson Kuzma, 2022. "Circular economy and innovation: A look from the perspective of organizational capabilities," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 236-250, January.
    7. Zhen Liu & Jing Liu & Mohamed Osmani, 2021. "Integration of Digital Economy and Circular Economy: Current Status and Future Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-27, June.
    8. Sohail Ahmed Soomro & Hernan Casakin & Georgi V. Georgiev, 2021. "Sustainable Design and Prototyping Using Digital Fabrication Tools for Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-17, January.
    9. Xiu Cheng & Ruyin Long & Fan Wu, 2022. "How Symbols and Social Interaction Influence the Experienced Utility of Sustainable Lifestyle Guiding Policies: Evidence from Eastern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-22, April.
    10. Sonia Herrero-Luna & Marta Ferrer-Serrano & María Pilar Latorre-Martínez, 2022. "Circular Economy and Innovation: A Systematic Literature Review," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2022(1), pages 65-84.

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