3D Printing and the future of manufacturing-driven growth

"An economist visiting China sees a large number of men digging with shovels to build a dam. His host points to how many men are employed. The economist points out that fewer men with the right equipment could build more efficiently. “But then we wouldn’t be employing the other men,” the host replies. “Well, in that case, why not give them all spoons?”"

Mark P. Mills, writing for Forbes is optimistic. He says "The third manufacturing revolution is upon us.  America has the advantage.  The whole world will participate and economic growth, and full employment, will follow, again."

http://blogs.forbes.com/markpmills/2011/07/05/manufacturing-3d-printing-and-what-china-knows-about-the-emerging-american-century/