Voices from GIG: News, Events & Insights

DOTS

Empowering Education Through Makerlabs: Collaborative Innovation in a Connected Network

Written by Ricardo Ruiz

Education and Makerlabs represent a dynamic intersection of innovation, collaboration, and skill-building. Makerlabs, as spaces dedicated to hands-on learning and creativity, have become increasingly integrated into educational frameworks. They provide opportunities for learners to engage in project-based activities, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Integrating Makerlabs into education is challenging, but the potential benefits are … Continue reading “Empowering Education Through Makerlabs: Collaborative Innovation in a Connected Network”

make-a-thek

Make-a-thek launched!

Written by Kirstin Wiedow

In February, GIG Kickstarted its new project, make-a-thek, together with nine organisations from 7 countries as consortium partners. make-a-thek will support libraries in creating modular makerspaces for circular fashion and crafts.  In this first project phase, GIG is actively working on compiling a 200-strong open resource repository covering open hardware, software, education and technologies in … Continue reading “Make-a-thek launched!”

GIG@re:publica

Join Us at the Makerspace at re:publica!

Written by Fadia Elgharib

The Makerspace at re:publica 2025 is about getting hands-on, trying new things, and meeting people who love making the difference. Whether you’re into tech, crafts, or just curious about DIY projects, there’s plenty to check out. What’s Happening at the Makerspace? Workshops  From 26.-28. Mai 2025, we’re excited to be back with our usual three-day … Continue reading “Join Us at the Makerspace at re:publica!”

Critical Making

LibreWater in Iraq: Advancing Small-Scale Solar Desalination

Written by Ricardo Ruiz

Water scarcity is persistent in many regions, particularly arid and semi-arid areas. Due to environmental and geopolitical factors, Iraq faces significant challenges in securing clean drinking water. LibreWater, an open-source initiative, seeks to address this issue through decentralized, small-scale solar desalination. The project is part of a broader effort from the Global Innovation Gathering to … Continue reading “LibreWater in Iraq: Advancing Small-Scale Solar Desalination”

GIG Network

Circular Material Valuer Curriculum — Participatory Knowledge for the Circular Economy

Written by Janina Loof

GIG presents the citizen science initiative ”Circular Material Valuer Curriculum – participatory knowledge for the circular economy”. It is an open investigation about concrete practices of material assessment for circular systems, with a particular focus on the enabling conditions for an increased reuse of materials.   The project, supported by the Hans Sauer Foundation, kicks off … Continue reading “Circular Material Valuer Curriculum — Participatory Knowledge for the Circular Economy”

Impact Report

GIG Presents mAkE Impact Stories

Written by Chaïma Attia

The mAkE Impact Stories report captures how the mAkE project has empowered makers, startups, policymakers, and organizations across Africa and Europe. By fostering collaboration between Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) and makerspaces, the project created a platform for innovation, skill development, and sustainable growth. This report goes beyond quantitative data to showcase personal experiences that illustrate … Continue reading “GIG Presents mAkE Impact Stories”

GIG Network

Sustainable Business Models for Makerspaces

Written by Ricardo Ruiz

The “Open Catalogue of Business Models,” developed by the MAKE project, serves as a resource to enhance the financial sustainability of makerspaces and foster a decentralized production ecosystem. This catalogue is structured to provide inspiration and guidance, allowing makerspaces to adapt and experiment with various business model elements to suit their unique environments. The catalogue … Continue reading “Sustainable Business Models for Makerspaces”

Critical Making

Exploring Circular Economy Innovations: The SCoPE Initiative in Lomé

Written by Ricardo Ruiz

The SCoPE project, led by L’Africaine d’architecture and implemented at Woelab in Lomé, Togo, aims to tackle plastic waste issues by creating a circular economy model. Supported by the Stiftung Nord-Süd-Brücken and the Global Innovation Gathering, this initiative represents a collaborative effort to innovate waste management practices. Through the project, plastic waste is collected, sorted, … Continue reading “Exploring Circular Economy Innovations: The SCoPE Initiative in Lomé”

mAKe

Makers Meet Ministers: Policy Impact in the Maker Ecosystem

Written by Alyssa McIntyre

On 17th July 2024, GIG hosted a panel discussion featuring mAkE on the intricacies of digital policy and how grassroots stakeholders can influence its creation and implementation. We were lucky enough to be joined on the panel by Doreen Aglago-Cofie, Freda Yamorti, Georgia Nicolau, and Joseph Agyina. The conversation that ensued highlighted many useful and … Continue reading “Makers Meet Ministers: Policy Impact in the Maker Ecosystem”

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