Rahman, M., & Best, M. (2024). Sustainability of Makerspaces: Developing a Framework for Sustainable Community Innovation Centers. ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies, 2(3), 1-20.

Summary

Rahman and Best addresses the critical challenge of operational continuity in makerspaces and other Community Innovation Centers (CICs), despite their vital role in community innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on established ICT4D (Information and Communications Technologies for Development) frameworks and Activity Theory, the authors develop a novel sustainability framework based on a year-long study of independent makerspaces across the U.S. The research reveals that while financial stability is a core concern (with many founders relying on unpaid labor and side projects), money alone does not guarantee longevity. The true key to success is the people aspect—fostering a strong community through interactions between members and resources, supported by integrated management and process infrastructure. The most sustainable spaces are those that attract, retain, and empower a core group of dedicated volunteers and members who view the space as a community, not just a resource for tools and technologies.

5 Key Findings

1. Makerspaces are Incubators for Social Innovation and Economic Development: Makerspaces are critical hubs for social innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting local economic growth and empowering community members to enhance their capabilities and generate solutions to societal problems (e.g., producing PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic).

2. Community and People are Critical: The biggest differentiator for long-term sustainability is not the quality of the equipment or the money, but the people aspect. Members often join for the social environment and the chance to find a community of like-minded individuals, emphasizing the importance of human connection over just access to tools.

3. They Foster Resilience During Crises: Makerspaces with strong communities were able to persevere through major financial difficulties, such as those caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, with members continuing to pay dues even when they couldn't access the physical building.

4. Financial Stability is Achieved through Effort, Not Just Dues: Most makerspaces operate on a limited budget, and membership fees and classes alone are often insufficient to cover costs like rent. Founders often work without pay, use donations and side projects from local businesses, and seek grants to maintain operations and affordability.

5. Volunteer-Driven Management is Key to Growth: Larger, more successful organizations often use an innovative federated model where core volunteers ("area champions") manage specific sections (like woodworking), taking responsibility for the budget, maintenance, and supplies for their area. This structure enables healthy organizational growth.