There was a time not so long ago when inventors and entrepreneurs had to invest large sums of money to develop prototypes for new products. Today, with some 3D imaging and 3D printing, a prototype is far easier to develop. Suddenly, the world of business changes because it’s much easier for anyone to get “into the game.”
3D technological advancements are to the second decade of this century what computers and the internet were in the 1990s and what smartphones were in the 2000s. The technological advancements came into their own, became more widely available, and radically changed the world of business. Barriers to entry dropped and small players who are far more agile than corporate giants were able to flourish.
Over the past year, we’ve seen 3D printing move from invention prototypes to food, art, gadgets, and more. NASA is funding a grant for 3D food printing with the goal of ending world hunger. 3ders.org is reporting on the 3D printing news, and Thingiverse (which launched in January 2013 as a site where people can show off their 3D printing projects) reached over 100,000 uploads.
3D printing is just part of the story though. With 3D imaging and simulation, Dassault Systemes is working with French engineer Georges Mougin to further his 40-year research to tow icebergs. The goal is to use them as a fresh water supply to help the over 1 billion people in the world who don’t have access to drinking water and the over 2.5 billion people who don’t have access to clean water because they don’t have water purification systems.
You can learn more about the “IceDream” project in the ad sponsored by Dassault Systemes below and follow the link to get more information or register to watch the full documentary.
What do you think of how 3D technological advancements are changing the business world? Leave a comment and share your thoughts below.
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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Thank you for this smart piece. To build prototypes fast, for less cash, is great for those who want to bring more to the poor!