The Reut Institute, a non-partisan and non-profit organization, is based in Tel Aviv, Israel that helps to shape policy in the region. The group set up Israel’s first open source 3D printing lab late last year in Tel Aviv. But now, the latest initiative from the institute, called XLN (Cross-Lab Network), aims to deploy a network of similar set-ups or Communal Tech Spaces, right across Israel. The Reut website states the goal is to establish these tech spaces “from the far south to the far north, so that Israel’s periphery will have access to 3D printers now.”
Roy Keidar, CEO of The Reut Institute told ISRAEL21c recently: “Our vision is for Israel to lead the coming revolution of self-manufacturing to make an indelibly Israeli and Jewish contribution to the future of humanity.”
The belief and passion in the good that 3D printing can do is a key driver for Keidar, even while acknowledging the darker side:
“Every technology that you can use for good can be used for bad. We have to create broad technological literacy in this area, to groom leadership and to focus this revolution, and to do it in a way that is inclusive. XLN is not about making a printer but making sure we’re at the forefront of the self-manufacturing revolution. We are opening physical spaces that can serve as a place to educate the Israeli public and develop the kind of leadership that evolves to startups and companies.”
The latest Israeli CTS has opened in Haifa, with further plans to open more in Bat Yam’s Design Terminal, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Jerusalem, Eilat and Safed.
Source: Reut Institute
