Fablab Creating a Culture of Innovation in Ecuador

Resumen

Abstract As part of the Social and Corporate Responsibility actions of the oilfield services company the first fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) was created. This scientific-technological program was born from an alliance between the public company, Yachay, and the oilfield services company, and it is a clear indication that they share a passion for learning and science to create opportunities for all youth. The methodology applies is based on informal learning and the theories of creative thinking. The Fab Lab first appeared in 2000 in the Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Essentially, it is a laboratory where other laboratories are created. It allows for building machines that are capable of "building almost anything". In Ecuador it involves providing this powerful technological tool and sharing infrastructure, machinery, technology and software with people interested in innovation. This Fab Lab is a space for experimentation within the production fields. To build the Fab Lab in Ecuador the efforts of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the public company, Yachay, and Schlumberger del Ecuador S.A. have come together, and thus there is a wide range of objectives, projects and business models and local planning. The aim is to provide digital development enthusiasts. Practical applications include solar and hydraulic turbines, which help to resolve social problems, including health, agriculture and textiles. On January 15, during the most important Science event in Ecuador, "INNOPOLIS," within the business venture and innovation framework of 2015 in Ciudad Yachay, the FABLAB was presented with a broad agenda of activities for the general public to learn about the latest innovative tendencies around the world, as well as the scientific projects undertaken in Ecuador. This system looks to have an impact on the socioeconomic structure of the Ecuadorian society, geared toward a culture of innovation, with creative and proactive individuals, with talents that efficiently contribute to resolving public needs, thereby helping with the transformation of the production matrix in the country.