The RepRap project was started in 2004 by Adrian Bowyer
Think in reprap like a machine that allows you create phyiscal objects from software models
Sso the implications are really big, adding the fact that this machine can make copies of it self, so you can make one for a friend
I betfor Free Software movement,and I bet for RepRap project too, wich represents how the libre/free knowledge are reaching new layers of our society, the industry of manufacturing of goods
If the project suceed, new changes will come to society and economy, and the same time news marktes will rice, when technology reach all people hands
Reference: RepRap
Reference: RepRap Intro Spanish