Abstract

In this research we characterize the role of 23 Mobile Fabrication Laboratories created between 2005 and 2021 and located in 11 Latin American countries. This longitudinal research maps the impact of the democratization of technology on vulnerable groups (women and children), artisans and micro-entrepreneurs who aspire to incorporate digital technologies into their daily lives in the context of the five Helix model of innovation. The findings reveal the challenge of linking technology to society and communities, using a decentralized infrastructure that moves technology to the periphery, bridging the gap between digital literacy and end-user oriented digital fabrication experience. The interaction between academia, private entities, government, society, and territory is the evidence that draws systematized approaches that are integrated into the same purpose: that technology is an ally of society and that it promotes their creativity and learning throughout their lives. their lives.