Williams, R. C. (2019). Turning makerspaces into greater places: An organizational assessment and economic impact study of Open Works. Center of Strategic Ingepreneurship, Coppin State University.

Summary

This 2019 assessment report by Coppin State University's Center of Strategic Ingepreneurship (CSI) evaluates Open Works, a 34,000-square-foot nonprofit makerspace in Baltimore, as a model for the global maker movement. The study, guided by eight key questions, provides an overview of the organization's operation, economic impact, and barriers to success. Open Works stands out nationally due to its large scale and its leadership in diversity and inclusion.

The report highlights that Open Works not only provides access to production capabilities (tools and facilities are the most valued characteristics) but also serves as a hub for ingepreneurial activity, which focuses on influencing the socioeconomic trajectory of the community, their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, and access to space for “playful ingenuity.” The economic analysis shows the facility supports 114 jobs in Baltimore City alone, contributing over $4 million to total labor income annually. To manage its success, the space must strategically address barriers like limited space and access to equipment, which have emerged due to high demand.

5 Key Findings

1. Makerspaces are Local Economic Engines: Makerspaces create significant economic impact. In its operational phase, Open Works directly supported 138 jobs in Maryland, with 114 of those jobs in Baltimore City, adding more than $4 million annually to local labor income.

2. They Function as "Ingepreneurial" Trust Hubs: The space is important because it fosters "ingepreneurship"—entrepreneurial activity focused on the socioeconomic trajectory of a community. The organization intentionally builds institutional trust and community, serving as a model for establishing "trust hubs" for economic development.

3. They Democratize Access for Diverse Groups: Makerspaces like Open Works demonstrate that it is possible to be a national leader in diversity and inclusion. Open Works' efforts have resulted in a staff that is majority-female and a community with membership that includes historically underrepresented groups in makerspaces, demonstrating a commitment to making tools and knowledge accessible to all.

4. They are Essential for Business Incubation and Growth: Makerspaces are critical for business development; during the course of this study, Open Works was at 100% studio occupancy, supporting 55 businesses, and an additional 56.3% of non-business members were planning to turn their activities into businesses. Furthermore, their success is measured by businesses that outgrow the space, creating even more external jobs and income for the region.

5. They Provide Essential Resources Beyond Tools: While tools and facilities are the most valued feature (63.7%), the second most valued characteristic is the "community of creative makers" (58.8%). This highlights that the social and collaborative culture is nearly as important as the physical resources for members to express their creativity.