Discover the Essence of DOTS ‘23! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🤍
DOTS 2023 was a vibrant fusion of innovation and community, continuing the journey that began in 2019. Conceived initially to foster collaborative projects, DOTS adapted during the pandemic to become a virtual hub for global changemakers. In its latest edition, DOTS evolved into a full-fledged GIG Virtual Gathering, championing impact-driven innovation, maker culture, and open technologies. Check the highlights from the Three-Day Event:
Day 1: Building Connections
The opening day emphasised the synergy between online and offline engagement within the GIG community. Activities included community calls, “meet the members” sessions, and preparations for the Global Innovation Gathering at re:publica24 in Berlin. Members participated in voting, report reviews, and workshops, with a special focus on the Makerspace partnership, which encouraged hands-on collaboration and speaker submissions.
Day 2: Sustainable Business Models
Focused on creating business models that align with social and environmental values, this session introduced a Sustainability Model and explored three key approaches:
- Expertise Sharing
- Asset Sharing
- Product Life Cycle Involvement
- Participants discussed future initiatives, including a dedicated website and a mentoring program, with collaborative feedback shaping the next steps.
Day 3: Open Healthcare Innovation
The final day featured the monthly Careables meet-up, spotlighting open-source hardware for assistive technologies. Speakers Saad Chinoy, Adriana Cabrera, and Enrico Bassi shared inclusive projects—from playful accessible games to open-source prosthetics—highlighting the transformative power of community-driven healthcare solutions.
DOTS 2023 reaffirmed the power of global collaboration, sustainability, and inclusive innovation. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming initiatives and how you can get involved in shaping the future of the GIG network.
