Geographies of production in 3D: Theoretical and research implications stemming from additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) is a comparatively new and evolving form of production that has the potential to transform the geographies of manufacturing. While this technology has garnered significant hype in the popular media, the topic has been virtually ignored in academic circles outside of business- and industry-specific, technology-oriented journals. Given its prospective impacts on the secondary sector and the potential for geographers to explore these transitions, this article provides a discussion of the possible opportunities for theoretical explorations and research into the place-based facets of additive manufacturing and its impacts on, or integration with, traditional manufacturing. In particular, we examine the spatial ramifications of this technology on supply, demand, innovation, global production networks, and the role of the state juxtaposed against contemporary insights pertaining to advances in additive manufacturing.