Whilst skills development using 3D printing for innovation is gradually permeating the Armed Forces in Australia, through the proliferation of makerspaces and ad hoc short courses, research is being conducted that looks beyond the horizon to fully embrace the more cohesive and coherent opportunities of digital convergence and digital making. This presentation describes outcomes of research into possible futures for the Royal Australian Air Force, where 3D printing is a driver not only for new products, but also for a re-imagining of organizational practice. The role of the technology as central to a digitally enabled, agile workforce of the future is illustrated through future scenarios. Within these, the position of additive manufacturing in new workflows and its relationship to associated digital technologies is explained, and a new way of working for the Aviators within the Force proposed.
Learning Objectives:
- Upon completion, participants will be able to use the methods described to reframe future practice in their own organisation to maximise the opportunities 3D printing and digital convergence provide.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to visualise new ways of working that integrate 3D printing and associated digital technologies.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to define critical relationship drivers between technology adoption and change management for an organisation.
