Training 'R&D, Innovation, and Maker Culture'

Published at: November 25th 2021

Digital transformation, primarily through research and innovation, has an impact on all sectors of the economy and society, changing the way we live, work, and communicate. It is almost impossible to consider competitiveness without the so-called "knowledge economy," i.e., investment in research and development as continuous innovation.

During the training conducted by experts from FabLab Budapest as part of the project 'Maker Movement Establishing in BiH and Strengthening in the Visegrad Region, 2021 – 2022' supported by the Visegrad Foundation, participants learned more about the role and influence of Maker culture on R&D and innovation, with a focus on so-called "open innovation."

As we all face resource constraints today, the concept of frugal innovation becomes highly relevant, especially in the world of makers, which often bases its solutions precisely on this concept. This concept originated in developing markets with the aim of creating innovations with limited financial and technological resources. The minimal use of resources results not only in efficient component and local raw material savings but also in the creation of simpler designs, i.e., products through various stages of their life cycle. Participants also learned about the RepRap project (short for Replicating Rapid Prototyper) as an initiative for developing a 3D printer that can print most of its own parts, as well as Thingiverse, an excellent online platform for all enthusiasts of 3D design and 3D printing. In addition to this, the concept of DIDO: Data-in and data-out was presented, which as a future transformation should lead to a change in the urban model of PITO (Products In Trash Out).