How 3D Printing Can Revolutionize Developing Economies

Abstract

3D printing technology has the potential to completely revolutionize development in emerging markets. While 3D printing can make a wide variety of objects, and create the capacity for local manufacturing, it can also change the nature of the economy and how things are made. When looking at the potential for development, we must realize that much development is attained by the unequal exchange between nations. For this reason, capitalism often fails the developing world while benefiting the developed one. However, thanks to this technology, there might be a path toward breaking this cycle. Examining how 3D printing is opening up new economic realities, such as the Social and Solidarity Economy, and models of production reveals the true potential that this technology has to help address important social issues such as equity and sustainability.