Free Makers: “The New Industrial Revolution” By Chris Anderson Book Review Sample

Principle Concepts, Frameworks and Technologies Described by Anderson

In the book, “Makers: The New Industrial Revolution”, Chris Anderson, highlights and explicates a number of issues that have created a conducive platform for the new industrial revolution to occur. The first platform that is discussed on a wide perspective that has enabled the new industrial revolution to occur is technological advancement. According to Anderson 2012, technology has enhanced the new industrial revolution in a number of ways for instance: The existence of a more advance web platforms where small and large scale entrepreneurs can implement businesses. Anderson also acknowledges the fact that the existence of free and easily accessible software such as Tinkercad, SketchUp and 123D has enhanced the new industrial revolution process, especially in the design sector. The other dimension of technology that is mentioned as a factor that has enhanced New Industrial Revolution process is the emergence of machinated and automated modes of operation. Anderson posits that automation and machinated modes of entrepreneurship operations have facilitated New Industrial Revolution as a result of the ease, with, which they enhance business activities.
Additionally, he asserts that the essence of participation and collaboration; that is, the coming together of makers, has also enhanced the new industrial revolution process (Anderson, 2012). He gives an example of his own Company that focuses on the manufacture of Drone that has collaborated with Arduino Software Company to create some modifications on his company, hence facilitating the success of the company. Moreover, certain economic facets are mentioned in the book as factors that have enhanced the new industrial revolution process (Anderson, 2012). Anderson posits that rapid economic growth triggered by a high level of labor productivity, are some of the economic facets that have had a positive impact on the new industrial revolution process. However, he argues that certain forms of technological advancement, specifically, automation, have negative impact owing to the fact that they reduce labor opportunities, hence affecting the well-being of certain members of the society. He also notes the contribution of political facets in the New Industrial Revolution. He gives an example of the contribution of the Federal government, by creating the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, with an intention to open opportunities and create possibilities for the industrial revolution process (Anderson, 2012).

What is a Maker Space and why this Concept hasn’t evolved in the Previous History

In the perspective of Chris Anderson, the concept of Maker Space, basically involves the platform of creativity and productivity. That is, a platform that enables creators and thinkers to explore and implement their ideas, usually characterized by enhanced information access and sharing, collaboration and support as well as 3D printing platforms that enhance design processes. He argues that such a concept did not evolve in the previous history considering the fact that it was characterized by large factories and expensive means of production (Anderson, 2012). Proliferation of home-based means of production is also another factor that hindered the evolution of this concept (Anderson, 2012).

Constraints Eliminated due to Manufacturing Design, Digital, Business and Other Technologies in the Recent Years

Anderson points some of the constraints to the new industrial revolution that are removed as a result of implementing the new digital, manufacturing and business technologies. One of these constraints is lack or inadequate information transfer and sharing that is gradually eliminated by increased use of the digital platforms that enable makers to connect and share ideas. Expensive traditional modes of production are also gradually removed by adoption of new innovative and cost-efficient models that do not require a high level of professionalism to operate (Anderson, 2012).

Internet Sources that help facilitate the New Industrial Revolution

Anderson mentions that the access to free and easy to use internet software is one of the internet sources that facilitate the occurrence of the new industrial revolution process. This has enabled small to large scale entrepreneurs to engage in various dimensions of manufacturing designs. Online business platforms have also enhanced the new industrial revolution process according to Chris Anderson. Moreover, digitalization in regard to information access and dissemination is another imperative factor mentioned by Chris Anderson, as having a positive impact on the new industrial revolution process.

How the Concept of Open Source Translates into Manufacturing

According to Anderson 2012, the concept of open source is highly emulated by current makers; he argues that it forms one of their characteristics. This concept is mainly practiced in the digital platforms, where makers can use digital platforms to perform fabrications and upload for purpsoses of cloud manufacturing. As such, these ideas are quickly shared, hence facilitating manufacturing processes. Additionally, open-sources are valued and highly applied by makers owing to the fact that they are associated with transparency and facilitated information sharing among makers and their clients (Anderson, 2012). Open sources are also crucial platforms for makers; they enable makers to explore innovative models and other facets of the digital, thus facilitating transformative manufacturing (Anderson, 2012).

Reference

Anderson, C. (2012). Makers: The New Industrial Revolution. Random House.