Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope

Research Grant_Paper_NESTA Conference "Social Frontiers The next edge of social innovation research", 2013

The paper reports the current results of analysis and interpretation -from the standpoint of social innovation -of a number of studies 1 on the development of Distributed Microproduction (DM). A phenomenological reading of the new forms of small-scale production now developing in various disciplinary contexts -design, modern craft, 'Make' and DIY Culture -makes it possible to reconstruct the emergence of a set of ideas, processes, technologies, and shared values, and to hypothesise that DM can be interpreted as a socio-technical paradigm. It can thus generate new areas and paths of innovation. The first part of the paper defines DM, explaining its constitutive features and the factors driving its development. The second part extends the DM model by describing its systemic aspects in social and technological terms (Arthur, 2010). The final part of the paper identifies the linkages between DM and social innovation (Mulgan et al., 2012), which make a larger-scale merger of these two domains plausible, i.e. they build a Microproduction Everywhere perspective.

Social Frontiers The next ede of social innovation research, 2013

The paper reports the current results of analysis and interpretation – from the standpoint of social innovation – of a number of studies1 on the development of Distributed Microproduction (DM). A phenomenological reading of the new forms of small-scale production now developing in various disciplinary contexts – design, modern craft, ‘Make’ and DIY Culture – makes it possible to recon- struct the emergence of a set of ideas, processes, technologies, and shared values, and to hypoth- esise that DM can be interpreted as a socio-technical paradigm. It can thus generate new areas and paths of innovation. The first part of the paper defines DM, explaining its constitutive features and the factors driving its development. The second part extends the DM model by describing its sys- temic aspects in social and technological terms (Arthur, 2010). The final part of the paper identifies the linkages between DM and social innovation (Mulgan et al., 2012), which make a larger-scale merger of these two domains plausible, i.e. they build a Microproduction Everywhere perspective.

Abstracts -If we consider innovations as human action, this research has been dominated on one hand by social and policy making processes and, on the other, by organizational management thinking. In this study, we shall introduce a third perspective to innovation as action, namely, innovation as a human way of thinking. We claim that innovations are always made by thinking people, and therefore we should also look innovations in concepts of scientific research to human thought processes. Since societal and organizational paradigms concern innovations as relatively large wholes, we term the research on these paradigms as macroinnovation research.Here, we study the relations of microinnovations research to major paradigms of innovation research and in this way define its role within the field. We shall define the common ground points between microinnovation research and such established paradigms as organizational innovation research, innovation processes, systems and especially ecosystems of innovations research, flow of information, diffusion of innovations and finally the research on innovation policies.

Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, 2010

There is a great deal of debate about the definition of social entrepreneurship. I use an emerging definition: "Innovative and effective activities that focus strategically on resolving social market failures and creating opportunities to add social value systematically by using a range of organizational formats to maximize social impact and bring about change." 1 This definition acknowledges three key aspects of social entrepreneurship: an innovative element, a primary focus on the creation of social value, and a diverse set of approaches that employ creativity to deliver social value. Thus it paves the way for a greater understanding of "invention-led development," which, according to the Lemelson Foundation, focuses on how new ideas, products, or services can be converted to widely accessible or adopted forms in the creation of social value. When the language of invention-led development is used, it conjures up images of novel products and services used in development activities. On the product side, for example, a treadle pump-such as those designed by KickStartoffers significant advantages over other alternatives in improving irrigation for subsistence farmers in Africa. Similarly, on the service side, the creation of microfinance by organizations such as Grameen Bank makes credit available to populations that previously had been denied such access.

International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, 2015

The global trend is shifting from the mass production era towards small brand and individualism or customized production. With the arrival of this new era (21st century) that revolves around concept development, consumers now demand to be treated individually; and manufacturers need to create the sorts of products that will meet individual wants. Such products don't fit neatly into the mass economics of the old model. Therefore, this transformation in product demand is seen as a potential loophole for small and medium industries (SMIs) to compete favorably in the global market. However, most small and medium scale industries are strictly local with less innovation; these make the business hard to grow. Thus, it is important for SMIs to dream big in bringing about product experience, and invest more time and efforts in conceptualizing ideas that are suitable; as this will help in making better value judgment. Hence, this paper investigates the new shape of small and medium industries for the 21 st century economics. It highlights the Tri-Sustainable characteristics needed for 21 st century SMIs. Based on this understanding, the paper proposed three basic approaches for SMIs to reinvent their businesses in the new era. With this, small and mediums industries that started small can get big economically and innovatively. Index Terms-21 st century economics, digital and rapid prototyping, product development process, Tri-Sustainable characteristics.

A century after Henry Ford democratised automobility through standardisation, division of labour and economies of scale, shifts in global competitiveness and consumer attitudes towards vehicle design are impacting the viability of manufacturing operations here in Australia. While on the one hand this means we stand to lose a wealth of knowledge, skills and infrastructure related to mass production, on the other it opens a space for innovation. New technologies and cultures, such as 3D printing, generative software, mass customisation, sensor based networks and Maker culture conflate work responsibilities and democratise manufacturing through open and mutable design. This allows anyone with a good idea to make and market one-off artefacts, thus, paving the way for economies of scope. In this context, we’re seeing a new and diverse breed of tech/artisan-derived transport providers emerging from outside the existing industry, three of which – KOR Ecologic, Local Motors and Divergent Microfactories – provide precedents for new vehicle manufacturing practices. This paper discusses the significance of these, reviews emerging trends and highlights future production possibilities.

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2010

Besides continuing effort in developing MEMS-based manufacturing techniques, latest effort in Micro-manufacturing is also in Non-MEMS-based manufacturing. Research and technological development (RTD) in this field is encouraged by the increased demand on micro-components as well as promised development in the scaling down of the traditional macro-manufacturing processes for micro-length-scale manufacturing. This paper highlights some EU funded research activities in micro/nano-manufacturing, and gives examples of the latest development in micro-manufacturing methods/techniques, process chains, hybridprocesses, manufacturing equipment and supporting technologies/device, etc., which is followed by a summary of the achievements of the EU MASMICRO project. Finally, concluding remarks are given, which raise several issues concerning further development in micro-manufacturing.

2015

W kontekście procesów globalizacji i ujednolicania wzorców zachowań klientów firmy, coraz silniej eksponowana jest potrzeba uwzględniania, poza czynnikami ilościowymi (tzw. twardymi),także innych, które opisują zachowanie nabywców. Artykuł ma charakter badawczy, a jego celem jest próba oceny, w jakim stopniu płeć psychologiczna (kryterium miękkie) różnicuje preferencje w zakresie metod komunikacji rynkowej na tle płci biologicznej (kryterium twarde). Artykuł oparty jest na badaniach własnych autora przeprowadzonych w 2014 roku na próbie 343 respondentów dobranych losowo do badania metodą ankiety audytoryjnej. Przeprowadzone badania i zebrane dane empiryczne wykazały, że nie ma istotnego zróżnicowania w deklarowanych opiniach i postawach badanych, gdy uwzględnimy płeć biologiczną i psychologiczną. Z pewną ostrożnością można stwierdzić, że nie ma jednoznacznych przesłanek do przyjęcia hipotezy badawczej, według której wysoki stopień zróżnicowania wyrażanych opinii w zależności od rodzaju płci (biologiczna versus psychologiczna) intensyfikowałby potrzebę silniejszego uwzględniania zmiennych jakościowych (miękkich) w procesie działań marketingowych, w tym w segmentacji rynku. Oczywiście nie oznacza to zakwestionowania potrzeby uwzględniania zmiennych jakościowych (miękkich) w procesie analizowania zachowań nabywców, niemniej wskazuje dość wyraźne implikacje badawcze i praktyczne. Wnioski te bowiem stanowią swoistą rysę na bezkrytycznie wyrażanej dotychczas opinii o potrzebie szerokiego uwzględniania czynników tzw. miękkich w analizie zachowań klientów. Słowa kluczowe: segmentacja, płeć psychologiczna, komunikacja marketingowa. Kody JEL: M30 Wstęp Globalizacja sprawia, że z jednej strony eksponowane są takie koncepcje, jak indywidualizacja czy etnocentryzm konsumencki, z drugiej podkreślana jest unifikacja i upodabnianie się rynków. Dziesiąta rocznica włączenia Polski do Unii Europejskiej to dobra okazja, aby pogłębić dyskusję na temat wspólnego rynku i coraz bardziej spójnych wzorców zachowań rynkowych w Polsce na tle jednoczącej się Europy. W tym kontekście interesująca wydaje się być ocena stopnia, w jakim wspólny rynek, wymiana handlowa, turystyka i inne czynniki zbliżają odmienne dotychczas grupy społeczne oraz kultury i prowadzą do wypracowania wspólnych norm, zasad, standardów. Dotyczy to także działalności marketingowej.

Parlamento Europeo, 2007

La presente relazione descrive la situazione attuale relativamente alla presenza musulmana in Europa. La relazione analizza quattro aspetti fondamentali: i processi organizzativi in atto all'interno delle comunità musulmane; la questione dell'istruzione e della leadership; gli aspetti giuridici e la gestione politica dei musulmani; la convivenza come decisione di vita in comune. Vengono avanzate proposte sulla base dei risultati dello studio. Autori : Felice Dassetto, Brigitte Maréchal & Silvio Ferrari.

En: Mariano Cornejo (Edit). Uturuncos: un itinerario desde el Cerro de Los Felinos. Córdoba, Argentina: Mundo Editorial., 2023

Breve revisión de las representaciones de jaguares en diversas culturas mesoamericanas, su simbolismo y su significado desde el Preclásico hasra el periodo colonial y aún en algunas fiestas y ceremonias contemporáneas. Se trata luego de encontrar paralelismos y semejanzas con las representaciones gráfico rupestres del Cerro de los Felinos, en el sistema Huaka Yaku, en la Provincia de Salta, en el Noroeste argentino.