New Diversity for Additive Manufacturing quarterly report highlights gender gap in 3D printing

Straddling the technology and manufacturing industries, the burgeoning 3D printing sector receives much attention in market analyses and industry forecasts. One aspect of the industry that has been notably less subject to analysis, however, is its work force.

Like most technology-centered industries, additive manufacturing has largely remained a male-dominated sphere, a reality which has not been lost on the women working in the industry. Nora Toure, the founder of Women in 3D Printing, has been particularly outspoken about the gender gap in the industry, and has focused her efforts on highlighting some of the women who hold prominent positions in the field.

To understand the dynamics of the 3D printing work force and to continue to promote diversity in the industry, Toure recently teamed up with Sarah Goehrke, editor-in-chief of 3DPrint.com, to put together a quarterly report focused on gender diversity in additive manufacturing.

With the recent release of the first edition of the report, entitled “Diversity for Additive Manufacturing: First Quarter 2018 Report,” Goehrke and Toure are hoping to shed light on the people driving the 3D printing sector forward, with a particular focus on emphasizing the benefits of an increasingly diverse work force.

“The intent behind this report is to examine the broader scope of diversity in 3D printing as the industry stands at present. As a quarterly initiative, this report will be regularly updated with the latest market intelligence and participant perspectives. It is my hope that this initial report will lay the groundwork for a better product each quarter as we gain access to additional resources and perspectives. Hard data alongside subjective experiences provide for an interlinked approach to examining diversity.

When Nora approached me with the idea for this report, I was immediately intrigued. With the recent focus on movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, this is the time to truly focus on the implications of diversity. Women have a different experience in the workplace than men do, and through increased visibility and one initiative at a time, outdated concepts like the glass ceiling can finally be addressed. For a young industry like additive manufacturing, the workforce is all important; bringing a wider range of voices to the workforce will allow for a superior exchange of ideas ultimately benefiting overall growth and development.”

Sarah Goehrke, author of the Diversity of Additive Manufacturing report and editor-in-chief of 3DPrint.com.

The report, which combines objective (statistics & data-driven analyses) and subjective (author  & professional perspectives) input, is a comprehensive start to what will surely be an enlightening and valuable resource for the additive manufacturing sector.

You can download the full “Diversity for Additive Manufacturing: First Quarter 2018 Report” here.