September 2015

Rick Smith, the founder of the Global Coalition on Additive Manufacturing (GCAM), believes that 3D printing is about to disrupt your industry. In an article for Forbes magazine, the co-founder of CloudDDM claims that industrial 3DP “has reached its tipping point and is about to go mainstream.” Smith then explains why technologies that were once limited to prototyping are now revolutionizing full-scale production.

Cyber attacks aren’t just aimed at websites, computerized databases, and other digital assets. They also target physical assets such as industrial equipment. Late last year, cyber attackers struck a German steel mill and caused massive damage to the facility. Using a technique known as “spear fishing,” cyber criminals stole logins and passwords, accessed furnace control systems, and then caused the equipment to malfunction.

Makers includes inventors, designers, and artisans who create small batches of products in workshops, garages, and home offices. The Maker Movement is a global phenomenon, but New York City hosts one of the world’s eight great Maker Faires, events that attract tens of thousands of attendees. As the Maker Movement continues to grow, what’s the best way to maximize its economic development potential?