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Exploring social, economic and environmental consequences of collaborative production: the case of bike repair maker spaces in three European countries
Exploring social, economic and environmental consequences of collaborative production: the case of bike repair maker spaces in three European countries
Singh, Jagdeep; Lehner, Matthias; Winslow, Julia; Voytenko Palgan, Yuliya; Mont, Oksana
FG Transdisziplinäre Nachhaltigkeitsforschung in der Elektronik
Cities have emerged as leading forces in transforming societies towards sustainable
development. Numerous repairs, do-it-yourself (DIY) and maker communities across European
countries are established to: improve resource efficiency by extending the lifespan products through
repair and part recovery from urban material streams create new sources of income for local
communities by sharing resources and skills and enhance social cohesion by enabling new kinds of
social interactions. The aim of this research study is to examine the contribution of such initiatives to
the environment, economy, and society. The study focuses on cases of maker spaces in Sweden,
Switzerland, and Spain engaged in bicycle repairs as study objects. The study addresses the following
research question: What are the main social, economic and environmental impacts of collaborative
production organizations? Overall sustainability effects of collaborative production activities depend
upon the design, operational activities, and institutional contexts. Thus, this study analyses these cases
of maker spaces from socio-economic, environmental and institutional entrepreneurship perspectives.
Qualitative data is gathered through interviews with the organizers of maker spaces to formulate a
systemic understanding of key activities (repair, resource recovery etc.) and exchanges (spare parts,
skills, tools, financial etc.) carried out at the maker spaces in the context of the circular economy. A user
survey focusing on the benefits of the maker spaces to the users is carried. The study contributes to
identifying critical system dynamics associated with collaborative production in the circular economy
context and highlighting main areas of further research assisting a better understanding of the systemic
impacts of collaborative production.
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