Data Sharing as a stepping stone for emerging additive manufacturing ecosystems

Additive manufacturing (AM), the layer-wise construction of parts based on a digital product model, is approaching a new state of maturity. Even though this technology should decouple and simplify supply networks, the literature posits the development of intricate AM ecosystems. A literature review reveals that this is primarily driven by data-related tasks and associated data-sharing activities. In a qualitative study we elicited insights into real-life AM ecosystems and data-sharing relationships. We condense the answers to data sharing use cases and associated data profiles. A deeper look reveals that there are smaller “sub-ecosystems” with differentiated roles, data formats, and even certification. Together, the data profiles, use cases and sub-ecosystems form a conceptual model for describing and discussing AM ecosystems. Our results leave us with the conclusion that we observed a complex business ecosystem in the process of maturing with various opportunities for both existing and future use cases and business models.