Policy needed for ‘imminent 3D printing revolution’

This is according to a new report published by the Big Innovation Centre today which calls on the government to move quickly to adopt supportive policies so that the UK does not get 'left behind'. Andrew Sissons, report co-author and researcher at the Big Innovation Centre, explained: "3D printing will place major strains on laws and government policy in the UK. The government must begin planning a policy framework for 3D printing, one which promotes innovation and prepares the ground for a mass market in 3D printing. "The government must adopt a smarter and more flexible approach to intellectual property rights and regulation so that companies can function profitably in our digital age. 3D printing will shatter the barrier between the internet and the physical world, and the law will no longer be able to distinguish easily between the two. If the government wants to regulate guns and other dangerous items in the age of 3D printing, it will need a radically different approach. 3D printing is expected to have a combined GVA of nearly £70billion – more than half of all UK manufacturing – over the next decade. Many believe it will bring a host of benefits to the UK, including shifting manufacturing jobs back to Britain, reducing the environmental impact of the goods we consume and offering consumers far greater choice. Spencer Thompson, report co-author, said: "The potential economic implications of the technology are huge. 3D printing will play to the UK's strengths in design, retail and digital industries, putting Britain in a strong position to be a world leader. It could also shake up the way we do manufacturing, replacing mass production with localised manufacturing and potentially bringing manufacturing jobs back to the UK. "From the production of household goods to transplanted organs, the possibilities are endless. The government must not ignore this opportunity to inject some much needed growth into the UK economy."