The environmental value of the Maker movement

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 workspaces and Maker fairs or on social media platforms. Is this grassroots innovation the beginning of the next industrial revolution? In the framework of a case study analysis based on ten different Maker initiatives across Europe, 39 interviews were conducted with Makers and Maker initiatives managers evaluating core questions such as possible environmental impact, value chains and energy efficient behaviours. The paper investigates if the Maker movement is to be considered a valuable resource in tackling most of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, e.g. clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production.