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Manufacturing space for inclusive innovation? A study of makerspaces in southern Ontario

Author

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  • Tara Vinodrai

    (University of Toronto, Canada)

  • Brenton Nader
  • Christian Zavarella

Abstract

The popular discourse on making and makerspaces is laden with optimistic narratives suggesting that makerspaces act as key institutions that support more inclusive and sustainable forms of local economic development. Despite their popularity, we know little about how makerspaces actually support entrepreneurship and innovation and even less about how they advance the goals of environmental sustainability and social inclusion, particularly in the Canadian context. In an effort to redress these gaps, this paper uses a unique database of makerspaces, complemented with findings from in-depth case studies, to examine the practices of makerspaces in southern Ontario (Canada). Our study finds that while makerspaces offer access to technologies and basic skills training, we find limited evidence that makerspaces generate the promised economic or social outcomes so often attributed to them. Moreover, we find very limited evidence that makerspaces actively seek to be socially inclusive in their membership and programming or encourage environmentally sustainable practices. In other words, the potential of makerspaces, in their current form, to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable forms of local economic and community development is not yet fully realized.

Suggested Citation

  • Tara Vinodrai & Brenton Nader & Christian Zavarella, 2021. "Manufacturing space for inclusive innovation? A study of makerspaces in southern Ontario," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(3), pages 205-223, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:36:y:2021:i:3:p:205-223
    DOI: 10.1177/02690942211013532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Marc Doussard & Jennifer Clark, 2021. "Inclusive innovation closing essay: Problems beyond economic development," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(3), pages 265-270, May.
    2. Greg Schrock & Nichola Lowe, 2021. "Inclusive innovation editorial: The promise of inclusive innovation," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(3), pages 181-186, May.

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