A sustainable manufacturing network model for socio-economic development

Abstract

South Africa is facing severe poverty levels especially in underdeveloped rural regions. Manufacturing is seen as the sector which could create jobs, but it requires an innovative development concept. The concept of sustainable manufacturing networks is proposed. It is based on the principles of social networks, network manufacturing and open source in order to ensure socio-economic development. An adequate model is created, which relies on a network of selfsustainable autonomous work units interconnected in a network. A learning work unit is particularized. Reconfigurable manufacturing systems and open source ecology equipment are discussed as potential product of a pilot sustainable manufacturing network.