Scientific Defence Dissertation in the Field of Engineering Science: Potential and challenges of open source hardware development

Open source hardware (OSH) is a practical phenomenon transferring the idea of open source from software to physical objects. It thus requires theoretical founding with regard to epistemic knowledge in engineering science. This thesis investigates how theadvancement of open source product development processes, openness and cultivation of company collaboration in OSH development for mechanical and mechatronic products can be better supported conceptually through the investigation of collaborative capacity, integration of quality tools, development of assessment schemes, and investigation of the concept of company-community collaboration. It responds to this question by delivering the following cumulative work: empirical research of open source product development processes and integration of classical quality tools; development of OSH assessment schemes for product marking and design reuse; and comparing and contrasting of the concept of company-community collaboration and its key enablers for collaboration between companies and OSH communities for enriching OSH development and mutual benefit. The thesis follows an industrial-engineering-based design science research framework guiding the development and refinement of conceptual models, methods and tools for providing guidance and reinforcing of principles of OSH for the benefit of all involved actors specifically, including OSH practitioners, businesses and civil society.