From Disaster Response to Readiness: When a crisis hits, can local makers and manufacturing be ready to respond?

The COVID pandemic demonstrated the power of localized manufacturing by communities using 3D printing and other technologies to address supply chain disruptions.  It highlighted both the potential for improved disaster preparedness and response, and the need to address urgent gaps with a more robust system.

This session explores how to build a resilient, localised, distributed manufacturing network with an inter-generational community of makers, before a crisis hits, even in the face of increasingly scarce funding and support. We'll discuss:

-    Access to and sharing of digital and physical tools, resources, and expertise, both online and offline.
-    Standardization, communication, partnerships, and integration with/between local, global and humanitarian organizations and supply chains.
-    Community empowerment, capacity building, spaces, and income opportunities.
-    Open innovation and standards, licenses, hardware, software, models, designs, and documentation.