Emerging Business Models for Open Source Hardware
The rise of Free and Open Source models for software development has catalyzed the growth of Free and Open Source hardware (also known as "Libre Hardware"). Libre Hardware is gaining significant traction in the scientific hardware community, where there is evidence that open development creates both technically superior and far less expensive scientific equipment than proprietary models. In this article, the evidence is reviewed and a collection of examples of business models is developed to service scientists who have the option to manufacture their own equipment using Open Source designs. Profitable Libre Hardware business models are reviewed, which includes kit, specialty component, and calibration suppliers for makers. The results indicate that Libre Hardware businesses should target technically sophisticated customers first and, as usability matures, target expanded markets of conventional consumers.
Keywords
Open Source, Open Source Hardware, Libre Hardware, Business Models, Innovation
See also
- Business Models for Open Source Hardware Repositories
- Sponsored Libre Research Agreements to Create Free and Open Source Software and Hardware
- Overcoming Limitations of Proprietary Scientific Hardware Funding
- Making the Tools to Do-It-Together: Open-source Compression Screw Manufacturing Case Study
- Life-cycle economic analysis of distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printers
- Quantifying the Value of Open Source Hardware Development
- Open-source, self-replicating 3-D printer factory for small-business manufacturing
- Distributed manufacturing with 3-D printing: a case study of recreational vehicle solar photovoltaic mounting systems
- Global value chains from a 3D printing perspective
- Emergence of Home Manufacturing in the Developed World: Return on Investment for Open-Source 3-D Printers
- Towards national policy for open source hardware research: The case of Finland
- Economic Savings for Scientific Free and Open Source Technology: A Review
- Strategic Investment in Open Hardware for National Security
- Economic Impact of DIY Home Manufacturing of Consumer Products with Low-cost 3D Printing from Free and Open Source Designs
- Professors Want to Share: Preliminary Survey Results on Establishing Open Source Endowed Professorships
- Canadian professors’ views on establishing open source endowed professorships
- Open source decarbonization for a sustainable world
- Equitable Research Capacity Towards the Sustainable Development Goals: The Case for Open Science Hardware
- Leveraging Open Source Development Value to Increase Freedom of Movement of Highly Qualified Personnel
- Design of Alternatives to Stained Glass with Open-Source Distributed Additive Manufacturing for Energy Efficiency and Economic Savings
In the News
- Emerging Business Models for Open Source Hardware - Wevolver
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| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Cite as | J.M.Pearce (2017–2026). "Emerging Business Models for Open Source Hardware". Appropedia. Retrieved August 13, 2026. |