Makerspaces in entrepreneurial universities: a source of innovation and creativity

Abstract

Makerspaces are becoming increasingly common on university campuses, but there is great variation in what constitutes a makerspace in today´s globalized world. On some university campuses, departmental classroom laboratories are being renamed or repurposed as makerspaces. In some cases, though, universities are creating makerspaces for the entire campus or even entire university community. Makerspaces vary not only in size, but also in funding structure, accessibility to public, etc. This paper presents the idea that university makerspaces can be a source of innovation and creativity. The hypothesis is analysed, that makerspaces can provide new forms of higher education institutions & business collaboration, new forms of learning for students and staff if the certain characteristics are met, when designing or operating a makerspace. A list of makerspaces in European HEIs is drafted. Finally, suggestions are drafted for the management of higher education institutions on how to improve the management of makerspaces in order to boost innovation culture.