In a paper released yesterday, Sissons calls upon the government to “begin developing a policy plan for 3D printing before it is overtaken by events.”
Broken down into six key issues, Sissons states that building a framework that better defines the roles of IP, regulation, legal responsibility, standards, materials and infrastructure are paramount to development of a robust 3D printing industry.
Sisssons’ paper argues some very salient points, and his plea underscores a few elements that anyone interested in integrating 3D printing into their business should consider:
- What are the implications of 3D printing relative to IP?
- Will there be legal authority to help secure IP?
- Will advancements in the technology allow for greater print speed? Accuracy?
- Will more sophisticated materials be available in the future?
People often wonder what the future will hold for 3D printing. They ponder when 3D printing will become a general-purpose technology with machines humming away on tables in every household world-wide. Often times these thoughts imagine a breakthrough machine that will transform the landscape. I think that the crux of this transformation will hinge on ideas like Sissons’ that get down to the nuts and bolts of “how we make this industry real.” I know it's drab, but I think it’s true.
If you’re at all interested in this field, I highly recommend reading this paper.
Read Sissons’ paper at Big Innovation.