The world has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with the globalisation trend that dominated the world economy for several decades starting to wane. The rise of protectionist policies, trade wars, and sanctions imposed by countries like the US, UK and EU against China and Russia have further fueled this trend. With Western companies withdrawing their manufacturing from China and looking towards India and other regions for cheaper labour, it is becoming clear that localisation is the future.

This shift towards localisation has been long foreseen by organisations like Envienta, which was started eight years ago to address the challenges posed by globalisation. The increasing use of 3D printing, the sharing of knowledge on the internet, and the rise of the “maker movement” has paved the way for a future where local communities can produce what they need, reducing their reliance on global supply chains. In this article, we will explore the reasons for the decline of globalisation, the rise of localisation, and how ENVIENTA and other similar organisations are paving the way for a more self-sufficient future.

The Decline of Globalisation

For several decades, globalisation was seen as the future of the world economy, as countries opened up their borders and embraced free trade. This led to a significant increase in the flow of goods, services, and capital across borders, resulting in increased economic growth and development. However, in recent years, the tide has started to turn against globalisation, with countries looking inwards and focusing on their own interests.

One major factor driving this shift is the rising tensions between the West and China. For several years, Western countries have accused China of unfair trade practices, such as currency manipulation, intellectual property theft, digital espionage and forced technology transfers. In response, the US and other countries have imposed tariffs and other trade restrictions on Chinese goods, making it more expensive for companies to manufacture there. This has led many Western companies to look towards other countries like India and Vietnam for cheaper labour and manufacturing.

Another factor driving the decline of globalisation is the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The EU and US have imposed sanctions on Russia, further isolating it from the global economy. This has made it harder for Russian companies to do business with the West, forcing them to look for new markets elsewhere.

The Rise of Localisation

With the decline of globalisation, localisation has emerged as the new trend in the world economy. Localisation is the process of producing goods and services locally, reducing reliance on global supply chains. This trend has been made possible by the increasing use of 3D printing, the sharing of knowledge on the internet, and the rise of the “maker movement.”

One of the main advantages of localisation is that it reduces the carbon footprint of goods and services. With local production, there is no need to transport goods across long distances, reducing the emissions associated with transportation. This makes localisation an important part of the fight against climate change.

Another advantage of localisation is that it promotes self-sufficiency and resilience. By producing goods and services locally, communities can become more self-sufficient, reducing their dependence on global supply chains. This is particularly important in times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global supply chains were disrupted, and countries had to rely on their own resources to produce goods and services.

ENVIENTA and the Future of Localisation

Envienta is an organisation that has been working towards the future of localisation for eight years. The organisation was founded to address the challenges posed by globalisation and to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient future. Envienta’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to create their own products and services through the use of open-source technology and the sharing of knowledge.

ENVIENTA’s platform provides a space for people to share their ideas, designs, and innovations, making it easier for others to access and build upon them. The platform is built on the principles of the circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and environmental impact.

One of the key technologies that ENVIENTA is promoting is 3D printing. 3D printing is a manufacturing process that allows objects to be created by building up layers of material, such as plastic or metal. 3D printing has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing, as it allows objects to be produced on-demand, locally, and without the need for expensive tooling.

Another technology that Envienta promoting is blockchain. Blockchain is a decentralised, digital ledger that records transactions securely and transparently. Blockchain has the potential to revolutionise supply chains, as it allows for the tracking of goods and services from their origin to their final destination, reducing the risk of fraud and corruption.

ENVIENTA and the Future of Localisation

Envienta’s vision of the future is one where individuals and communities have the tools and knowledge to produce what they need locally, reducing their dependence on global supply chains. This vision is aligned with the emerging trend towards localisation, as more and more people recognise the benefits of producing goods and services locally.

Conclusion

The world is undergoing significant changes, with the decline of globalisation and the rise of localisation. The increasing tensions between the West and China, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have fuelled this trend. The rise of 3D printing, the sharing of knowledge on the internet, and the maker movement have paved the way for a future where communities can produce what they need locally.

Organisations like Envienta are leading the way towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient future. By promoting open-source technology, the sharing of knowledge, and the principles of the circular economy, Envienta is empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own production.

Localisation is not without its challenges, but it offers a way forward in a world that is facing significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. The future may be uncertain, but by embracing localisation and the principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency, we can create a more resilient and prosperous world for all.