ifkad articles

Innovation Nexus: FabLabs as Catalysts for Entrepreneurship through Community Engagement

Mario Ripoll-Domínguez, David Hidalgo-Carvajal, Gustavo Morales-Alonso

This research investigates the evolution, challenges, and entrepreneurial dynamics within FabLabs, innovative spaces fostering grassroots creativity and community engagement. Through a multiple case study methodology focusing on FabLabs in Spain, insights were gathered from interviews with FabLab managers, exploring their outlook, responses to Covid-19, and evidence of entrepreneurial spirit and post-capitalist attitudes. The findings underscore the importance of adaptability and community engagement for FabLabs, especially in navigating challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. FabLabs embody hybrid models of innovation that balance entrepreneurial activities with broader social and environmental objectives, prioritizing values such as community empowerment, collaboration, and sustainability. For FabLab managers, implications include embracing adaptability, prioritizing community engagement, and balancing entrepreneurial spirit with social impact. Academics can explore these dynamics to understand innovation ecosystems and post-capitalist paradigms further. Public institutions can support FabLabs by investing in infrastructure, promoting collaboration, and developing supportive policy frameworks. While this research provides valuable insights, limitations regarding generalizability and perspectives warrant further investigation into FabLabs’ role in fostering innovation and community development on a broader scale.

IN: Proceedings IFKAD 2024 – Translating Knowledge into Innovation Dynamics
PP: 709-722