Verso un prosumerismo postcapitalista? Evidenze empiriche da un’esplorazione di pratiche di manifattura collaborativa e di energia rinnovabile comunitaria.

This paper contributes to the debate on the simultaneous processes of production and consumption—commonly referred to as prosumerism—within the context of sustainability-oriented transformations. It argues that a significant share of recent literature on prosumerism is characterised by a form of capitalocentrism, and that critically addressing this bias helps to bring to light alternative economic strategies that are often rendered invisible. The paper introduces the concept of post-capitalist prosumerism, discusses its relevance for a critical reflection on eco-social transformations, and identifies a number of underlying—albeit preliminary—characteristics. These include the social re-embedding and re-territorialisation of economic activities, the politicisation of technology, and the promotion of forms of economic democracy as well as participatory and collaborative governance. The empirical evidence presented draws on two recent research projects focusing respectively on prosumer practices within Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in Italy and Collaborative Manufacturing (CM) in Germany. The cases analysed show how such practices strive to operate beyond market logics and to contribute to the development of alternative and inclusive ways of organising production, consumption, and governance, though not always successfully. In conclusion, post-capitalist prosumerism is proposed as a heuristic concept that is useful for critically exploring the transformative potential of sustainability-oriented social innovation.