Open Source Hardware in SMEs: An Empirical Analysis of Adoption, Challenges, and Sustainability Potential

Open Source Hardware (OSH) refers to the design and development of physical products whose specifications are freely available for study, modification, and distribution. OSH presents significant economic potential by enabling cost-effective innovation, fostering collaborative development, and providing tailored solutions for specific business needs. Beyond these advantages, OSH also contributes to sustainability by reducing resource consumption through reuse, adaptation, and further development of existing solutions. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may benefit from OSH. We conducted a survey assessing the familiarity of SMEs with OSH, their interest in its adoption, and perceived barriers. The results offer critical insights into SMEs’ awareness, attitudes, and preferred ways of engaging with OSH. While most respondents were familiar with open-source software, awareness of OSH remained comparatively low. However, after a brief introduction to OSH, the majority stated interest and a wanted to learn more about its potential. The findings underscore the broader relevance of OSH, identifying practical strategies to enhance awareness, adoption, and long-term engagement among SMEs. By embracing OSH, businesses can not only drive innovation and cost efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient industrial landscape.