Exciting Announcement: New Report on the Maker Passport is Here! 
We are thrilled to unveil the latest report on the Maker Passport, a key milestone in creating a system for recognizing and validating maker skills within a distributed ecosystem. This initiative is part of Deliverable 4.2 of the mAkE African European Maker Innovation Ecosystem and funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.
What is the Maker Passport?
The Maker Passport is a digital credentialing system that allows makers to seamlessly share their skills and experience across a network of 500+ Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs). Designed with portability and community-based authentication in mind, the Maker Passport empowers mobility, collaboration, and recognition within the global maker ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Community-Based Authentication: A verification system allows maker credentials to be authenticated by trusted issuers (e.g., makerspaces and community leaders).
- Offline Accessibility: QR codes and portable devices make the system accessible in areas with low or intermittent internet access.
- Platform-Agnostic Design: Makers retain sovereignty over their data, free from reliance on any specific badging system.
Why It Matters:
The Maker Passport addresses critical challenges in skills recognition and cross-border collaboration, enabling:
- Easier navigation of distributed manufacturing ecosystems.
- Broader participation, including makers in low-bandwidth areas.
- Increased opportunities for collaboration and innovation across regions.
The report also discusses barriers like travel costs, visa/documentation issues, and cultural differences, offering recommendations to enhance usability and mobility.
What’s Next?
We invite you to join the conversation about this innovative approach to fostering skills recognition and collaboration across the maker movement.
Access the full report here [Maker Passports & Prototype] - by @schutton
Let’s shape the future of global maker collaboration, together! 