Alan Meckler

Although the United States has registered more patents in 3-D printing technology than any other region or country, Europe is fast approaching parity with the States in terms of market value, with Asia also close behind and rising.

According to Alan Meckler, chief executive of Mediabistro, there will be anywhere between six and 10 IPOs of 3-D printing companies in Asia in the coming years, as the technology begins to resemble to growth of the internet. "It sparks the creative juices of entrepreneurs," said Meckler.