The convergence of digital commons with local manufacturing from a degrowth perspective: Two illustrative cases. (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kostakis, Vasilis; Latoufis, Kostas; Liarokapis, Minas; Bauwens, Michel
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 197(2018)Part 2
• Page Start: 1684
• Page End: 1693
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Commons -- Open source -- Degrowth -- Open hardware -- Localization; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.09.077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The emerging discussion about the sustainability potential of distributed production is the starting point for this paper. The focus is on the "design global, manufacture local" model. This model builds on the conjunction of the digital commons of knowledge and design with desktop and benchtop manufacturing technologies (from three-dimensional printers and laser cutters to low-tech tools and crafts). Two case studies are presented to illustrate three interlocked practices of this model for degrowth. It is argued that a "design global, manufacture local" model, as exemplified by these case studies, seems to arise in a significantly different political economy from that of the conventional industrial model of mass production. "Design global, manufacture local" may be seen as a platform to bridge digital and knowledge commons with existing physical infrastructures and degrowth communities, in order to achieve distributed modes of collaborative production. Highlights: The split of technological development with the advent of the commons-based peer production is discussed. The degrowth potential of a 'design global, manufacture local' model is demonstrated through two case studies. It is argued that the dynamics of 'design global, manufacture local' model should be of interest to degrowth. Some limitations of this model and its possible future outcomes are discussed.