Fab Labs in Poland and in the World as an Example of Stimulating Social Entrepreneurship and Creativity

Abstract

Fab Labs are various types of laboratories or special spaces that offer access to space, tools, devices and materials for people who want to pursue their ideas, needs and passions. A lot of city residents often have difficult access to tools and machines, and even places. Thanks to the Fab Labs equipment, they can create, repair objects, devices or improve creative skills without the inconvenience and high costs. A typical Fab Lab is equipped with carpentry tools, electric tools, 3D printers, plotters, CNC milling machines, electronics and computers. In these places, classes and workshops are conducted by staff prepared for that. The very important function of these places is sharing knowledge, experiences and common help. Fab Lab is not only a place but an association of DIY enthusiasts, modellers, architects, artists, students and engineers. This article was created in order to explain the idea of these places, it will be done by showing the origin of this activity of social entrepreneurship, by the inventory of existing Fab Lab projects in Poland, by cataloguing the possibilities and their equipment. The specifics of this article are described, as well as the business model is characterised. The article ends with a reflection about the type and degree of fulfilment of the needs of local communities by these initiatives.