MakerSpaces and Value Creation in Start-ups in Germany

Abstract

Initiatives and projects such as the “Excellence Start-up Center.NRW” aim to increase the competitiveness of Germany through startups and has the explicit goal of creating new and sustainable jobs. In addition, so- called MakerSpaces are being created in parallel in many areas, which are considered as creative areas and are intended to support the construction of prototypes and the testing of hypotheses to create value for potential start-ups and to establish a valid business model. The question here is whether these initiatives and projects provide support for industrial value creation in Germany. This would require production and logistics to be considered when creating and developing new business models. Established methods of production research (e.g. simultaneous engineering) and logistics (e.g. supply chain management) should be taken into account. The results of a short survey – by questioning potential startups and advisors – show whether production and logistics are already considered in the consulting by the MakerSpaces or if there are further unmet needs.