Written by This November, Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) was delighted to take part in the 8th edition of the VULCA Seminar in Ispra, Italy, hosted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) — the third-largest European Commission site. The seminar marked a significant milestone: 11 years of VULCA’s journey, evolving from a citizen-led initiative into a vibrant member-driven network.
Showcasing Projects and Initiatives
At the seminar, GIG proudly presented Make-a-thek, our EU Horizon project, and shared updates from the GIG Bus Tour. These initiatives highlight our commitment to connecting global maker communities, and we explored opportunities to link the Bus Tour with VULCA’s makerspace members. In fact, we are now looking into adding VULCA 2026 in Cuenca as a stop to visit for the GIG Bus Tour!
The discussions opened up exciting avenues for collaboration, particularly around joint fundraising, mapping initiatives, and cross-network cooperation. Erasmus+ was central to our work, reinforcing the importance of European programs in supporting grassroots innovation.
Strengthening the VULCA Network
This year, VULCA welcomed 46 new members — individuals, makerspaces, and networks — and transitioned to a board of five elected representatives. This restructuring reflects a renewed focus on transparency, governance, and the empowerment of makers across Europe.
We are deeply grateful to:
- Paulo Rosa and the JRC team for hosting seminar and sharing their expertise.
- We Do Fablab (Omegna) and OpenDot Dotdotdot (Milano) for providing spaces to network and exchange experiences in EU cooperation.
- VULCA for guiding all members through the seminar journey across Ispra, Omegna, and Milano.
Makers Shaping Europe’s Future
The seminar underscored the role of the maker movement in shaping democracy, education, innovation, citizen engagement, and policy in Europe. Each day offered insights into membership structures, network governance, and emerging funding pathways — knowledge we are eager to share with our global community.
Looking ahead, VULCA is working on a Code of Conduct and a Conflict Resolution Policy to strengthen its community further. These steps will ensure that members continue to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of the maker movement.
Looking Forward
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made VULCA 2025 possible. The seminar was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a launchpad for future collaborations. We look forward to continuing this journey together!
