ROOM 3
FabChain: distributed ledger technologies for the fab lab network
Blockchains and cryptocurrencies are opening opportunities to test alternative models for the global economy. Since the publication of the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008 and the first release in 2009, millions of people have contributed to the operations of this alternative currency, operating on a distributed (peer-to-peer) network, independently of any intermediary operator or trusted authority. . More recently, with the emergence of general purpose blockchains, like Ethereum, more advanced blockchain-based applications have been created. These new applications are paving the way to alternative mechanisms of value creation and distribution, which distinguish themselves from the more traditional market-driven approaches adopted by a majority of crypto-currencies. These new blockchain-based applications allow for the diversification of value exchange between peers, and offer new opportunities to consolidate alternative economies based on the notion of cosmopolitan localism. Given the emergence of new productive models promoted by the Fab Labs global network, these new mechanism of value exchange offer a unique opportunity to test alternative models of value creation and distribution between Fab Labs and the communities around them, using platforms such as Fablabs.io, projects like Fab City and programs offered by the Academany.
The FabChain workshop aims to enroll participants in a meaningful co-design and co-creation process, using blockchain technology in order to elaborate new forms of currency and new mechanisms of value exchange for the Fab Lab network. The workshop will explore the design of tokens and their relations within the community, and will aim to produce the first white paper on blockchains for Fab Labs. In order to address these objectives,we propose the following tracks:
1. Local ecosystem: FabCity Prototypes. We will explore the use of blockchain technology (including DAOs, tokens, or alternative cryptocurrencies) to promote collaboration between multiple fablabs at the level of the municipality. The goal is to facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge between multiple centers, and test circular economy models for tangible outcomes and local material flows . The outcome of this track will be used to to develop the transition from PITO (Product in - Trash Out) to DIDO (Data in - Data Out)
2. Global ecosystem: FabLab Network. We will explore the use of blockchain technology to record contributions and assess responsibilities in the context of open education. The goal is to create a system of value distribution for open source designs, enhanced certification (quality, accuracy), compensation, and tracking contributions for Academany programs. The focus will be on education resources and design processes within the FabLab network.
The workshop will take two complete afternoons, and will require extensive brainstorming between the participants. The facilitators will translate the outcomes in a white paper, where all contributions will be acknowledged.
Workshop organisers:
Organizations: Fab Lab Barcelona and CNRS (Paris)
Website:
https://iaac.net/people/tomas-diez/,
http://www.fablabbcn.org and
https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/pdefilippi email: tomas@fablabbcn.org
Duration: 8hrs
Conference days
