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Public Knowledge 3D/DC
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Public Knowledge 3D/DC
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Public Knowledge 3D/DC
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Public Knowledge 3D/DC
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Public Knowledge 3D/DC
On May 7, 2014, Public Knowledge, a Washington DC-based public interest organisation, hosted its third annual 3D/DC, an event highlighting 3D printing technology for policymakers in the US Congress and the Administration. This two-day event comprised of a Wednesday morning panel discussion on Capitol Hill, a Wednesday evening reception held in the US Capitol Visitors Center and Thursday meetings with policymakers in the executive and legislative branches of Government.
More people came to this year’s 3D/DC than previous years. This year’s 3D/DC included a partnership between Public Knowledge and the Congressional Maker Caucus with the two groups co-hosting a panel discussion on the policy implications of 3D printing technology. The Congressional Maker Caucus was formed in 2014 to help promote America’s growing maker economy through the use of maker technologies such as 3D printers. The Caucus serves to provide a greater voice in Congress for individuals and companies who are part of this growing movement.
The event began with a Wednesday morning panel representing different sectors of the 3D printing community: small businesses, large companies, universities, and K-12 education curriculum. Discussion topics included the panelists’ expectations and concerns for 3D printing as the technology continues to develop, the relationship between formal and informal education as it relates to 3D printing and additive manufacturing, and how well 3D printing is received by existing industries such as manufacturing, medicine, and the education sector. Congressmen Tim Ryan (District of Ohio) and Mark Takano (District of California) - two of the Maker Caucus co-chairs - delivered introductory remarks, as did Michael Weinberg, Public Knowledge’s Vice-President and director of its 3D printing initiative. Public Knowledge’s Government Affairs Associate, Martyn Griffen, moderated the panel.
Wednesday evening’s reception featured over 20 different companies and organisations showcasing their 3D printers and products. Presenters ranged from large companies like MakerBot and Shapeways, to smaller startups, to museums and universities. The event was heavily attended, including many who were previously unfamiliar with 3D printing.
Thursday’s activities comprised of meetings between 3D/DC participants and White House officials in the morning and Hill visits with participants’ respective Members of Congress in the afternoon. White House officials discussed the upcoming White House Maker Faire and what role the Obama administration could play in helping to advance this technology in ways that would benefit innovators. The purpose of the Hill meetings was for Members of Congress and their staff to meet the individuals involved with and see the real benefits of 3D printing in their Congressional Districts.
From the increased number of 3D/DC participants to the increased reception turnout compared to 2013, everyone involved with the 2014 3D/DC considers this year’s event a success. Public Knowledge looks forward to working with the Congressional Maker Caucus in the future as it seeks to further educate policymakers on the Hill about the remarkable work their constituents are doing through 3D printing technology.
