1. A FabLab for development in
rural Philippines
Tomoaki Watanabe & Yutaka Tokushima
International Telecommunications Society Regional Meeting,
Los Angeles, Oct 25-28, 2015
2. What is FabLab
A locally-based technology center.
Emphasis on manufacturing technology equipments.
- 3D printers, CNC milling machines, laser cutter, etc.
- plastics, woods, cardboard papers, metals, electronic circuits
Not industry-grade, but good for many serious use.
Often 30K-100K USD for a whole set.
3. What is FabLab
A global network (500+ labs)
Open to local public at least partly
“Learn, Make, Share”
Often involved are: DIY hobbists, educators, hackers, researchers,
hardware start-ups, incubators, various professionals, etc.
4. FabLab and development
Developmental goals in mind from the beginning
- Rural India (Vigyan Ashram)
- South Boston (a disadvantaged neighborhood)
----
Other goals: education, serving hobby interests, cultural development,
creating eco-friendly cities, etc.
5. Case: FabLab Bohol, the Philippines
Bohol:
- 50+ islands, 0.1 mil pop.
- Main island East of Cebu
- Higher-cost b/c of logistical dependency to Cebu
- Brain-drained by other cities
FabLab:
- Official launch May 2015
- Initiated by a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (Aug. 2012- Dec.
2014).
6. Challenges as perceived by the volunteer
1. Lack of talent
- Years of technical training for local craftpeople not very much
effective
- Lack of interest in learning observable even among the select “eager”
businesses
- Brain-drain + competition against farming sector
2. Cost disadvantage against Cebu
- 2hrs. by high-speed boat for bringing anything from/ to Cebu
- + storage cost
7. Achievements so far
FabLab Asia Network’s Conference with competition held in Bohol:
- low-cost public building using traditional Japanese technique
- chairs using banana tree fibers, using typhoon-fallen trees
Works of two young designers hired by local govt
- Package design for foods, mold for soap makers, craft works, etc.
Others
- coin case using coconut skin (locally abundant)
- remote controller for lights in home (using Arduino)
- waste plastic turned into soft craft materials
8. What’s shaping its performance
1. Readiness/ Ripeness
A place is ripe for a FabLab, when the only major bottleneck for
generating economic benefits (or other benefits) is a FabLab. They have
skills, interests, time, initial capital for product development and launch,
ideas for products, channels to the markets, etc.
Bohol was not ripe for FabLab (but it worked somewhat so far).
2. Active body and Proximities
i.e. People (champions) and learning opportunities
9. On Ripeness
- The system of interlinked factors shaping FabLab’s performance are
complex and unknown enough to prohibit any prescriptive program
ahead of time.
- Still, some places may be ripe enough for FabLab to trigger economic
benefits.
This applies to many ICT-based interventions to generate economic
benefits (and other interventions for other purposes.)
10. On Active Body
- Prescribed program vulnerable under complexities &uncertainties
- Proactively working group of people may find solutions to
unexpected problems, opportunities to generate unexpected benefits.
A primary reason why talent is rather important beyond other factors.
Challenges re: detecting and attracting talents
(not any people is good for any project)
11. On Proximities
Spatial proximity: not rich in Bohol (brain-drain)
Organizational: FabLab is an international network
(cf. with honFabLab, SuperFabLab, etc.)
Temporal: FabLab may bring face-to-face learning opportunities
(cf. the 1st FabLab Asia Network conference)
Empowering people with knowledge powerful force to boost
performance
12. A simple underlying view
- Many factors need matching:
Technological capabilities
Product/ service ideas
Business models
Market demands
Investor interests
Various talents and skills
…
Active body may wall be active matchmakers.
Compensating lack of one resource by other resources may take greater
involvement, such as search and trial.
13. Implications to telecenters
- Capabilities may not be enough for many places
- Active body may be effective under uncertainty/ complexity
More attention to people than plans
- Proximity may empower people
Network and learn from each other
