Supporting the SME commercialization process: the case of 3D printing platforms

ABSTRACT Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) traditionally face many obstacles to innovation commercialization – due to resource limitations, insufficient access to financial capital, etc. This paper explores the way in which 3D printing platforms support SMEs during the innovation development and commercialization process. The online marketplace supports SMEs by providing the resources, knowledge, and structures required to assist in innovation development and expedite the commercialization process. These supports are – (1) Creation, (2) Provision, and (3) Facilitation. In terms of creation, the online marketplace provides access to external skills, stimulating the creativity of innovators and enabling low-cost prototype production. Where provision is concerned, the online marketplace enables users to access designs, technology, and knowledge previously unavailable to them, in addition to disseminating new ideas. Finally, for facilitation, the platforms act as a mediator, facilitating transactions between parties, providing a safe and trusted marketplace with strong institutional supports. This study identifies the role online marketplaces play in SMEs’ innovation commercialization.

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