In Germany a new magazine was recently launched with an emphasis on sharing. Have a look here.
Archiv für den Monat Juli 2013
Nice tool for transfering big data
To transfer big data files to colleagues and students can be difficult. Wetransfer seems to work properly.
3D printer manufacturer
ARCAM, based in Göteborg (Sweden) seems to be one of the leading 3D printer producer tailoring their devices specifically for medical applications.
By the way, 3D printing is also called additive manufacturing in contrast to manufacturing techniques where material is removel. According to AdditiveManufacturing.com, additive Manufacturing (AM) „is an appropriate name to describe the technologies that build 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material, whether the material is plastic, metal, concrete or one day…..human tissue.“
Our white paper by the winter school participants now available
In November 2012 I participated in the winter school „Already Beyond? – 40 Years Limits to Growth“ by the VolkswagenStiftung and the accompanying Herrenhäuser Symposium to mark the 40th anniversary of the “Limits to Growth” study by Dennis Meadows and others at MIT.
I am happy to announce that our white paper is now available for download here. Read more about the thoughts, ideas, comments and critics from the group of young researchers from around the globe who intensely discussed the historic, present and future implications of the group breaking Club of Rome report „limits to growth“.
Business models for 3D printing
3D printings get more and more advanced. A few firms already offer 3D printing services, such as Shapeways, Thingiverse and Ponoko. You either create your design using their software, your own software or choose from a range of their products and materials. This offers many possibilities particularly for user innovations.
Users innovate collaboratively in fab labs
Fab labs are on the rise. One has recently opened here in Cambridge, named „Makespace„. In Hamburg we have Fabulous St. Pauli since 2011. These are places where users can turn their ideas into prototypes using state-of-the-art 3D-printing, but as well more conventional tools such as CNC or drilling machines. A recent brand eins article dealt with the phenomenon, particularly in the context of sharing knowledge, resources and just forming local communities. Several examples exist. Visit also the website of the International Fab Lab Association for more information and several examples. According to the article, the first fab lab in Germany was the „Münchner Haus der Eigenarbeit“ founded already in 1987.
Interview on servitization
Excellent short interview with my current colleague here at IfM, Prof. Andy Neely. Interviewed by the Financial Times he talks about three reasons why firms servitize (strategic, economic, environment), accompanied risks and firm implications (e.g., big data). Watch here.
Brand Eins mit Schwerpunkt Teilen
Die Artikel der Zeitschrift „brand eins“, Ausgabe „Greif zu“ (05/2013) sind hier online verfügbar. Es geht um Geschäftsmodelle rund um das Teilen (sharing, leasing, renting, etc.) und inwiefern diese für Unternehmen sinnvoll, also gewinnbringend sein können, mit spannenden Beispielen klassischer Firmen (z.B. Linde AG), von Start-ups (z.B. Flightcar, car2go, DriveNow, Zipcar, RelayRides) und weiteren Beipielen aus dem Altag.
Quotes on Science and Innovation
A reasonably good collection of quotes on science and innovation by famous academics, such as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, but also artists like Picasso. Have a look here.
Welcome to the UK
Since two weeks I am now visiting the Centre for Technology Management at the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge.
It has been an absolute wonderful start here in the UK and it seems that it can be a quite productive and creative summer. Looking forward to many inspiring discussions!