From craft, to industrial revolutions up to current global concentrations of specialisms and virtual firms, the way we make has evolved dramatically over time (Mourtzis & Doukas 2014, Allen 2006, Eugene et al 2005). This research looks forwards and asks in light of new technological developments such as 3D printing what are the new production models of the future. Through literature review this paper explores how manufacturing developed historically. Following a summary of a primary research study titled Digital Makers, a feasibility study for rural maker centres based in the Highland and Island region of Scotland, the paper goes on to present a concept for a digitally enabled manufacturing network of the future. Concluding with a discussion on the implications for future research. The research connects to the authors work researching distributed manufacturing networks for rural and island communities and enabling innovation for manufacturing. (Smith 2015: Smith & Mortati 2017).