Makerspace
Open and collaborative space, usually governed by users.
A type of open space or open innovation space. Geared for innovation and prototyping, including some very small volume production (manufacturing and assembly).
Governance
The emphasis is put on transferring decision making to the users of the space. These spaces are called open because access to them has a very low barrier, usually open to the public. The norms and rules are designed to stimulate sharing of ideas and material resources among participants.
A grass roots makerspace is governed by members, usually using a combination of democracy and meritocracy. The legal structure can be a non-profit organization or a coop. The space is member-supported. Some income can be generated through various services (events, workshops, technical services).
An institutional makerspace is controlled by the institution at the higher level, but small day-to-day decisions and programming of activities are differed to the users. The institution supports the space financialy.
Activities
Educational activities (workshops, hackathons) take place in makerspaces. In the day-by-day activity there is a lot of peer learning.
The Sensorica lab in Montreal is a kind of makerspace.
Production
Usually makerspaces are equipped with prototyping equipment such as 3D printers, electronic equipment, laser cutters, CNCs, etc. One can also find an inventory of basic materials, usually left over from past projects. These spaces also offer desks for co-working, gathering/public spaces. Also usually provided is a good Internet connection.
Currently, there is not a lot of production going on in makerspaces. The Sensorica lab adds more economic capabilities on top of the basic makerspace functionality.
Hybrid models have been proposed by sensoricans in the past, for example with the FabIci project at Robco Inc. in Montreal, Canada, where a local manufacturing plant builds an adjacent makerspace for brewing innovation and for prototyping stuff. When projects mature, production moves into the plant. there is a symbiotic relationship between a traditional firm and the makerspace (a new organizational structure). R&D is expensive and risky for companies, might as well open up a little space and have the local community gather there, brainstorm and prototype for fun. The firm's engineers will only get paid to take a working prototype and turn it into a manufacturable product.