Geographers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands have found that countries adopting 3D printing technology are narrowing the gap with developed economies in traditional manufacturing exports. Additive manufacturing lowers some historical barriers for developing nations to build robust industrial systems—by enabling digital production to enter high-value sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and automotive without massive upfront investment in large factories and complex supply chains. The hearing aid industry is a prime example: 3D printing has helped Mexico and Vietnam gain market share in this field. The study suggests that 3D printing will not replace traditional manufacturing but may gradually alter the 'spatial distribution of production,' dispersing manufacturing activities from traditional industrial hubs.