Peer Production as Mindful and Responsible Innovation: The Case of Fabricademy

This study explores the intent of designers involved in design for sustainability and how responsible innovation can be collectively implemented. To do so, a case study using situational analysis was conducted with graduates of the Fabricademy program: a 6-month program on textiles and new technologies taught in a distributed manner out of the Fab Lab Network, focused on the value of open-source sharing and a hands-on approach to learning. In a context where both designers and consumers find the fashion industry increasingly devoid of purpose and connection, building skills through collective intelligence empowers actors in systemic transition, pointing to alternative pathways. Our findings indicate how the pedagogical approach of the Fabricademy program builds the technological literacy and self-awareness of learners so that they may transform products, services, systems and practices. We discuss these findings in light of dimensions for responsible innovation: anticipation, reflexivity, inclusion and responsiveness. JEL Codes: L67, I25