They can stop the innovation. For example, they do something society hates, then hackers spread a 3D printer design for a bot that subverts what ever they are doing.

They will be defeated because in 1 hour 1 million people can make bots at any spot in the world and put them to shame.

They maintain their monopolies only because individuals can't take action.

Once individuals can take direct action, it is game over for them.

If there was a bot design now to stop the shit going on in Syria, do you think the people wouldn't 3D print it now?

Of course the people will rise up with rage once they have the tools to do so.