I was asked to clarify my understanding of the value chain of the new way of producing physical goods as outlined here. Value chain? As engineer, craftsman and small farmer I am not very familiar with business terms like this. In this context I associate value-add with money therefore I would rather prefer to look at benefit-add. A benefit may be profit but I think it is necessary to widen our comprehension of what the main duty of economy is: need satisfaction. And to create livelihoods. Not inevitably - or rather better not - only for humans.

Where are the benefits of an open manufacturing economy? What needs are met? What kind of livelihoods are created?
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