Open Hardware

What is this collection of blueprints about?

‘Open hardware‘ refers to physical objects whose design specifications are shared openly so the object can legally be made, used, or modified by anyone. It can cover anything from a table to a microscope to a 3D printer. There is a great basic explanation of open hardware at https://opensource.com/resources/what-open–hardware. For more information you look at the Wikipedia page on Open-source Hardware or the Open Source Hardware Assocation’s Definition. This collection of blueprints includes those we have seen used by organisations involved in some aspect of open hardware.

The blueprints listed below are being used to . They are often used in combination, with one or a range of open hardware products as the common thread. For example, an organisation may sell kits that enable people to build an open source machine and also offer training courses to teach people how to assemble the kits. Or they may sell a complete product, and take commissions to customise the accompanying software for a particular client’s needs.

Why does this context matter for Local Economies?

Open sharing of designs (and information on how to make them) is a key enabler of the shift to economies based on local production of goods, because it means existing knowledge can be used and adapted for local conditions. This lowers the barriers for local production and can make more local manufacturing economically viable. Open hardware is also essential in the fight against planned obsolescence – it enables things to be repaired, adapted, upgraded, and re-used to maximise their useful life. Decentralized production systems become more viable when the equipment used for processing and production can be repaired easily and at relatively low cost.

Why do we need information about business models for this context?

There are many examples of successful companies based on open hardware, some of whom make it a core part of their identity. Nonetheless a perception persists that it is difficult to make money or to find investment and grow if an organisation openly shares designs for its products. We need to demonstrate viable routes to financial sustainability through open hardware to encourage more innovators to share their inventions with the world.

We are keen to interview more organisations in the Open Hardware ecosystem – please take a look at the Invitation to Contribute to our Research.