We’ve got a rather peculiar problem in Additive. I call this the tip of the iceberg problem and it stems from seven distinct factors. The high degree of strategic replication in Additive, a lack of disclosure in settings, procedures and skills; the NDA-ification of explorative work, Universities who are more interested in IP than sharing knowledge, government work, successful things being kept secret and niche things being much more prevalent than industry actors could possibly think.
The Iceberg inhibits our understanding of the state of Additive. It creates information asymmetries in our industry. Furthermore it also limits our ability to grow. Through a lack of holistic understanding software companies don’t build the right tools, materials firms don’t develop the right materials and entrepreneurs don’t build the right startups. Even OEMs who are well connected often…
