The impact of 3D printing on small businesses and economic development: a case study of Southeast Asian countries

3D Printing has the potential to radically change prevailing paradigms of design, manufacturing and distribution of products globally. This study attempts to forecast where this technology might lead to significant change.While Western countries developed ground-breaking technologies they learned to cope with subsequent seismic shocks to their socio-economic equilibriums. Developing nations and economies in transition, however, have to industrialize, reform their economic, social and political systems, and deal with external economic and technology shocks simultaneously. This paper considers risks and chances of 3D printing for South East Asian countries (SEA).Literature research, semi-structured interviews of local business leaders and international technology experts are used to address the following key questions: To what extent does 3D printing threaten and/or support export-led economies' development? What is the potential rate of substitution of SEA exports by products 3D printed in advanced target markets? Can competitive advantage in SEA's conventional manufacturing be maintained given increasing distribution costs and availability of low-cost 3D printers worldwide? How great is the new business opportunity for SEA companies to manufacture and export 3D printers? What are the macro-economic impacts of 3D printing for SEA