Businessweek says Makers are gaining ground in China

Writing for Bloomberg Businessweek, Christina Larson confirms that the Maker Movement continues to gain significant ground in China.

Indeed, the popularity of XinCheJian, which means “new factory,” is a sign of China’s continued participation in the global Maker Movement, which former Wired editor Chris Anderson describes as a “third industrial revolution” characterized by open-source design, 3D printing, and crowdfunding.

As Larson notes, 30 independent hackerspaces, including XinCheJian, have already opened across the country.

“DIY culture may be a little slower to pick up in China, but we’re closer to the supply chain,” David Li, a Taiwan-born programmer who co-founded XinCheJian in 2011, told the publication.

“Everyone knows someone who works in manufacturing. That makes it easier to move ideas from hobbyist tinkering to larger production runs. Makers turn startup much faster in China. That’s why governments in Shanghai and other cities, eager to jump-start innovation, are supporting the movement.”

To be sure, the Shanghai government initiated a program in 2011 to create 100 hackerspaces in the city, offering each up to 500,000 yuan ($80,000) in funding.

Shenzhen (Image Credit: Wikipedia)

In 2012, XinCheJian and DFRobot co-sponsored a Shanghai maker carnival with the Communist Youth League.

Unsurprisingly, the Maker Movement has captured the attention of numerous Chinese industry leaders, including Foxconn and PCH International, two co-sponsors of Maker Faire Shenzhen.

Interested in learning more? The full text of “The Maker Movement Gains Ground in China” can be read here on Businessweek. Readers may also want to check out our Bits & Pieces article archive on the subject here.