10.4 Open innovation and biomimicry
10 min read•august 20, 2024
Open innovation and biomimicry are powerful approaches to drive sustainable innovation. By leveraging external ideas and nature's time-tested strategies, companies can accelerate problem-solving and create more sustainable solutions.
Integrating these approaches allows organizations to tap into diverse knowledge sources and nature's vast library of biological information. This combination catalyzes creative problem-solving and inspires breakthrough innovations that are both high-performing and environmentally friendly.
Open innovation fundamentals
- Open innovation is a paradigm that assumes firms should leverage external ideas as well as internal ideas to advance their technology and business models
- Recognizes that useful knowledge is widely distributed and even the most capable R&D organizations must identify, connect to, and leverage external knowledge sources
- Contrasts with the traditional closed innovation model where companies rely solely on their internal R&D capabilities
Defining open innovation
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- Coined by Henry Chesbrough, it's "the use of purposive inflows and outflows of knowledge to accelerate internal innovation, and expand the markets for external use of innovation, respectively"
- Involves systematically encouraging and exploring a wide range of internal and external sources for innovation opportunities
- Consciously integrates external ideas and knowledge in conjunction with internal R&D
- Includes various activities such as external technology acquisition, joint development, spinoffs, and licensing of IP
Open vs closed innovation
- Closed innovation relies solely on internal knowledge and resources within the firm's boundaries for the entire innovation process
- Open innovation intentionally seeks input and contributions from diverse sources outside the company such as customers, suppliers, universities, and even competitors
- Closed model assumes successful innovation requires control while open model treats R&D as an open system with porous boundaries
- Open approach enables greater diversity of ideas, spreads risks, and leverages external development efforts
Benefits of open innovation
- Accelerates the innovation process by reducing time and costs of development
- Expands the pool of ideas and technologies a company can draw upon
- Allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leveraging external expertise in other areas
- Enables monetization of internal IP that doesn't fit the company's business model
- Enhances problem-solving capacity by tapping into diverse knowledge domains
Challenges of open innovation
- Requires shift in mindset from "not invented here" to "proudly found elsewhere"
- Necessitates development of new capabilities to effectively identify, assimilate, and integrate external knowledge
- Raises concerns over loss of control over the innovation process and potential IP leakage
- Can lead to increased coordination costs and management complexity
- May face internal resistance from R&D staff who feel threatened by outside ideas
Biomimicry basics
- Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature's patterns and strategies
- It views nature as a model to imitate designs and processes, a measure to judge the sustainability of innovations, and a mentor to learn from
- Biomimicry is based on the premise that life on earth has already solved many of the problems we face and we can learn from 3.8 billion years of nature's evolutionary problem-solving
Defining biomimicry
- The term biomimicry comes from Ancient Greek: bios (life) and mīmēsis (imitation)
- Popularized by in her 1997 book "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature"
- Biomimicry is the conscious emulation of life's genius to solve human problems
- Involves studying nature's forms, processes, and ecosystems to inspire solutions and create more sustainable designs
Biomimicry design process
- Begins with identifying a human design challenge and defining the problem to be solved
- Involves exploring how nature has solved similar challenges, often by consulting with biologists or using resources like AskNature.org
- Abstracts the biological strategies into design principles that can be applied to the design challenge
- Translates the design principles into buildable things through creative problem-solving and prototyping
- Evaluates the biomimetic solution against life's principles of sustainability
Levels of biomimicry
- Form: Mimicking shape or physical structure of an organism or system (sharkskin-inspired swimsuits)
- Process: Imitating how an organism behaves or how an ecosystem functions (Eastgate Centre's passive ventilation based on termite mounds)
- Ecosystem: Emulating principles that enable ecosystems to successfully function (circular economy modeled on nutrient cycling in ecosystems)
- Ethos: Embedding the underlying philosophy of nature in human systems (valuing diversity, optimizing rather than maximizing, using life-friendly chemistry)
Biomimicry vs traditional design
- Traditional design often forces nature to fit human constraints while biomimicry fits human designs to nature
- Conventional problem-solving tends to be human-centered while biomimetic approach is bio-inclusive and Earth-centered
- Biomimicry sees nature as model, measure and mentor; not just a resource to be extracted
- Biomimetic innovations aim to be life-friendly, fitting in harmoniously with natural systems rather than depleting or damaging them
Integrating biomimicry and open innovation
- Biomimicry and open innovation are complementary approaches that can enhance an organization's innovation capabilities when integrated effectively
- Nature's time-tested strategies can inspire new solutions to innovation challenges that companies can explore through open innovation
- The multidisciplinary nature of biomimicry aligns well with the diversity of knowledge sources tapped in open innovation
Biomimicry as open innovation catalyst
- Nature's vast library of biological information serves as an immense open source database for inspiring innovation
- Biomimicry methodologies and resources like AskNature.org can guide open innovation efforts by providing a framework for identifying and applying biological strategies
- Sharing biomimetic insights and challenges openly can attract a wider range of solvers and ideas
- Successful biomimetic solutions can catalyze further open innovation by demonstrating the potential of nature-inspired approaches
Crowdsourcing biomimicry solutions
- , a key open innovation tool, can be leveraged to generate nature-inspired solutions from a large, diverse group of contributors
- Biomimicry design challenges can be posted on open innovation platforms to tap into external expertise in biology, engineering, and design
- Successful crowdsourcing examples include GE's Ecomagination challenges which sought biomimetic solutions for energy efficiency and waste reduction
- NASA's open call for nature-inspired methods to excavate Mars' surface engaged the public in biomimetic space exploration problem-solving
Co-creation in biomimicry
- Biomimicry often involves cross-disciplinary collaboration between biologists, designers, engineers and other experts to develop bio-inspired innovations
- Co-creation, an open innovation approach involving active collaboration with external partners, aligns well with the interdisciplinary nature of biomimicry
- Organizations can engage in co-creation with biomimicry consultancies, research institutions, and industry partners to jointly develop nature-inspired solutions
- Natura, a Brazilian cosmetics company, co-created a new line of biomimetic hair care products with university researchers specializing in biology and chemistry
IP considerations for biomimicry
- Biomimetic innovations inspired by nature's designs raise interesting questions around intellectual property rights since the original "inventor" is nature
- Organizations engaged in open biomimicry innovation need to carefully navigate IP ownership and licensing issues with external collaborators
- Some argue biomimetic innovations should remain in the public domain since nature's designs are "open source" and not invented by humans
- Others maintain biomimetic inventions are patentable if they meet key criteria of novelty, non-obviousness and usefulness
- Companies can explore alternative IP approaches like creative commons licensing or patent pledges to share biomimetic innovations more openly
Biomimicry open innovation examples
- A growing number of companies across industries are leveraging biomimicry and open innovation approaches to create sustainable, high-performance products and processes
- These examples demonstrate the potential for nature-inspired design to drive business value and sustainability impact through external collaboration
Procter & Gamble's Connect+Develop
- P&G's Connect+Develop open innovation program has leveraged biomimicry on several projects
- Collaborated with MonoSol on Tide laundry pods inspired by water-soluble membranes found in nature
- Worked with Essen BioScience to develop a high-throughput screening process for new drugs based on cellular processes in nature
- Partnered with University of Leeds to create a more sustainable Ariel laundry detergent inspired by enzymes in seaweed
GE Ecomagination challenges
- Ecomagination is GE's open innovation initiative focused on accelerating development of clean technologies
- Ran a series of biomimicry-themed innovation challenges on their open platform seeking nature-inspired solutions
- Winning ideas included an anti-icing coating for wind turbines based on ice-resistant properties of lotus leaves
- Other finalists proposed biomimetic solutions for efficient lighting, water purification, and drag reduction inspired by organisms like fireflies and kingfishers
Nike's Materials Sustainability Index
- Nike's Making app shares their Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) to engage suppliers, designers and customers in sustainable product design
- The MSI includes a biomimicry filter to identify low-impact textiles and materials inspired by nature's chemistry
- Example materials include Flyknit inspired by spider silk's high strength-to-weight ratio and Flyleather made with reclaimed leather fibers mimicking the weave structure of bird nests
- Opening up the MSI has spurred industry-wide exploration of nature-inspired sustainable materials
Natura's open innovation platform
- Natura, the Brazilian cosmetics company, launched an open innovation platform to co-create nature-inspired products with external partners
- Developed the Ekos line of skin care products through open collaboration with Amazonian communities leveraging their traditional knowledge of local biodiversity
- Partnered with university researchers to create the SOU line of products using biomimetic formulations and green chemistry processes
- Sharing Natura's biomimetic research and sustainability challenges openly has attracted new collaborators to their innovation ecosystem
Implementing biomimicry open innovation
- Successfully implementing biomimicry open innovation requires a systematic approach to identifying opportunities, engaging external partners, managing collaborations, and measuring impact
- Organizations need to develop new capabilities and processes to effectively integrate nature-inspired design with open innovation practices
Identifying biomimicry opportunities
- Conduct internal assessments to identify sustainability challenges and innovation opportunities that could benefit from a biomimetic approach
- Engage employees across functions to surface problems that could be reframed through the lens of biomimicry
- Analyze innovation pipeline to pinpoint areas where nature's designs could accelerate development or enhance performance
- Evaluate biomimetic solutions implemented by other organizations to identify opportunities to adapt and apply in own industry context
Engaging external biomimicry experts
- Build relationships with biomimicry consultancies, research organizations, and professional associations to access specialized expertise
- Participate in biomimicry networks and conferences to connect with potential innovation partners and learn about emerging nature-inspired technologies
- Host biomimicry design challenges on open innovation platforms to crowdsource ideas from diverse solvers
- Develop co-creation partnerships with key suppliers, customers, and cross-industry players to explore biomimetic opportunities together
Managing biomimicry collaborations
- Establish clear objectives and success metrics for each biomimetic open innovation project
- Define roles and responsibilities of internal and external partners, including IP ownership and licensing arrangements
- Implement communication and project management processes to coordinate distributed teams and track progress
- Foster a culture of collaboration and experimentation that values outside perspectives and iterative learning
- Provide resources and incentives for employees to participate in biomimetic open innovation initiatives
Measuring open innovation success
- Develop a balanced set of metrics to assess the value of biomimetic open innovation efforts, including traditional financial measures as well as sustainability and social impact indicators
- Track and report on innovation pipeline metrics such as number of biomimetic ideas generated, prototypes developed, and products launched
- Monitor process metrics like external partner engagement, collaboration satisfaction, and effectiveness
- Measure business outcomes such as revenue from biomimetic products, cost savings from nature-inspired processes, and brand value associated with biomimicry leadership
- Assess sustainability impact in terms of resource efficiency, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Future of biomimicry open innovation
- The integration of biomimicry and open innovation holds significant potential to drive transformative solutions to global sustainability challenges
- As biomimetic technologies and open innovation platforms continue to mature, there will be expanding opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and ecosystem-level innovation
Emerging biomimicry technologies
- Ongoing research in fields like materials science, synthetic biology, and robotics is yielding breakthrough biomimetic innovations
- Examples include self-healing concrete that mimics the mineralization processes of bones, genetically engineered yeast that produces spider silk proteins, and swarm robots that emulate ant colony behaviors
- Nano-scale biomimetic materials and surfaces with unique properties like structural color and water repellency are being developed
- Continued digitization of biological knowledge through initiatives like the Earth Bank of Codes will accelerate data-driven biomimetic discovery
Cross-industry biomimicry collaboration
- Many sustainability challenges like climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss cut across industry boundaries and require a systems-level approach
- Biomimicry offers a common language and framework for diverse industry players to collaborate on developing nature-inspired solutions
- Cross-industry biomimicry networks and consortia are emerging to tackle complex challenges like creating circular economies and redesigning urban systems
- Companies can form pre-competitive partnerships to invest in foundational biomimetic research and share findings to accelerate industry-wide innovation
Biomimicry open innovation communities
- Online and offline communities dedicated to biomimicry and open innovation are growing, providing new opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration
- Platforms like AskNature, 's DesignLens, and Biomimicry 3.8's Synapse are connecting biomimicry practitioners around the world
- Open innovation intermediaries like InnoCentive, NineSigma, and Yet2 are increasingly featuring biomimicry challenges and solutions on their platforms
- Local and regional biomimicry networks are forming to catalyze in specific geographies and industries
Scaling biomimicry open innovation
- Realizing the full potential of biomimicry and open innovation will require a significant scale-up of efforts across the innovation ecosystem
- Governments can play a key role in creating policies and incentives that support biomimetic research and development and open innovation practices
- Educational institutions at all levels need to integrate biomimicry into curricula to develop the next generation of innovators skilled in nature-inspired design
- Corporations need to embed biomimicry and open innovation as core strategies and allocate sufficient resources to support long-term success
- Financial institutions can develop new investment models and vehicles that direct capital toward biomimetic innovations and open innovation platforms
- Ultimately, a global network of biomimicry innovation hubs and living laboratories can accelerate the spread and scale of nature-inspired solutions worldwide
Key Terms to Review (18)
Biomimetic Design: Biomimetic design refers to the practice of using nature as a model, mentor, and measure for solving human challenges by mimicking biological processes and structures. This approach not only enhances innovation but also promotes sustainable solutions by learning from the efficiency and adaptability found in nature.
Biomimicry Institute: The Biomimicry Institute is an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of biomimicry in various fields, including design, engineering, and business. The Institute focuses on harnessing nature's strategies to inspire sustainable solutions and innovations, bridging the gap between biology and human ingenuity.
Collaborative Ecosystems: Collaborative ecosystems refer to networks of diverse stakeholders who come together to innovate and solve problems through shared resources, knowledge, and expertise. This concept highlights the importance of cooperation among businesses, researchers, and communities to drive advancements and promote sustainability. In the context of emerging technologies and biomimicry, these ecosystems can facilitate the convergence of ideas and create innovative solutions inspired by nature. Additionally, they foster open innovation, allowing participants to leverage collective intelligence for more impactful outcomes.
Competitive Advantage: Competitive advantage refers to the unique attributes or conditions that allow a company to outperform its competitors, resulting in greater sales, margins, or customer loyalty. This can be achieved through various means such as innovation, brand reputation, cost efficiency, or unique product features. When companies leverage concepts like biomimicry in product life cycle management or harness open innovation strategies, they can create sustainable competitive advantages that not only enhance their market position but also contribute positively to environmental and social outcomes.
Cost Efficiency: Cost efficiency refers to the ability of an organization or system to deliver services or products at the lowest possible cost while maintaining quality. This concept emphasizes minimizing waste and optimizing resources, ultimately leading to increased profitability and sustainability. In various models, achieving cost efficiency can enable more effective resource sharing and innovation, allowing businesses to thrive in competitive environments.
Cross-Pollination: Cross-pollination refers to the process of transferring pollen from one flower to another, enabling genetic diversity and innovation. This concept is often applied metaphorically in various fields, including biomimicry, where it symbolizes the exchange of ideas and solutions across different disciplines or industries. By fostering cross-pollination, diverse perspectives can come together, enhancing creativity and driving innovative design solutions inspired by nature.
Crowdsourcing: Crowdsourcing is a method of problem-solving and innovation that leverages the collective intelligence and contributions of a large group of people, often through online platforms. This approach allows organizations to tap into diverse perspectives and skills, leading to more innovative solutions and faster decision-making. Crowdsourcing emphasizes decentralized participation, which can enhance creativity and efficiency in various fields, including business and technology.
Eastgate Centre's Termite Mound Ventilation: Eastgate Centre's termite mound ventilation is an innovative architectural design inspired by the natural ventilation system of termite mounds, specifically used in the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe. This design mimics the way termites maintain a stable internal temperature and airflow within their mounds, allowing the building to regulate temperature efficiently without conventional air conditioning, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption and costs.
Emulation of Nature: Emulation of nature refers to the process of adopting and adapting strategies, designs, or systems found in nature to solve human problems and enhance innovation. This concept leverages biological processes and structures to inspire technological advancements, enabling a more sustainable approach to design and innovation. It connects closely with ideas of open innovation by encouraging collaboration across disciplines and sectors to harness nature's wisdom for practical applications.
Innovation networks: Innovation networks are collaborative partnerships formed among various stakeholders—such as companies, universities, research institutions, and government agencies—aimed at enhancing the process of innovation. These networks facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and ideas, ultimately leading to the development of new products, services, and technologies. By leveraging diverse expertise and perspectives, innovation networks play a crucial role in driving open innovation and fostering creative solutions inspired by natural systems.
Janine Benyus: Janine Benyus is a biologist, author, and innovation consultant known for her work in the field of biomimicry, which involves learning from nature to solve human challenges. Her influential book, 'Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,' published in 1997, helped popularize the concept and highlighted how businesses can adopt nature's strategies to foster sustainability and innovation.
Knowledge sharing: Knowledge sharing is the process of exchanging information, skills, or expertise among individuals, teams, or organizations to enhance learning and innovation. This exchange fosters collaboration and helps build a community of practice that can lead to new ideas and solutions. In contexts like biomimicry, effective knowledge sharing is crucial for connecting practitioners and innovators, as well as for enabling open innovation by pooling diverse insights and experiences.
Life Cycle Assessment: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic analysis that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal. This assessment helps in identifying opportunities for improvement, making informed decisions, and minimizing ecological footprints by understanding the total environmental costs associated with a product.
Nature-inspired innovation: Nature-inspired innovation refers to the practice of drawing inspiration from natural systems, processes, and organisms to develop new products, services, or business strategies. This concept connects the efficiency and adaptability found in nature to human innovation, leading to solutions that are often more sustainable and effective.
Sustainability metrics: Sustainability metrics are quantitative tools used to measure and assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of an organization's operations and products. These metrics help businesses understand their sustainability performance, identify areas for improvement, and communicate their efforts to stakeholders. By integrating sustainability metrics into various strategies, organizations can foster innovation and align their goals with ecological and social responsibilities.
Sustainable Design: Sustainable design refers to the practice of creating products, services, and systems that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and social equity while drawing inspiration from nature's strategies and principles.
Transdisciplinary Teams: Transdisciplinary teams are collaborative groups that bring together diverse expertise and perspectives from different disciplines to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. These teams go beyond traditional boundaries of individual disciplines, integrating knowledge and methods to address challenges in a holistic manner. This approach is especially relevant in contexts where multifaceted issues require a blend of insights from various fields to develop effective strategies, such as in biomimicry and innovation.
Velcro inspired by burrs: Velcro is a fastening material that mimics the natural mechanism of burrs, which are seed pods that cling to animal fur or clothing. This innovative design utilizes two components: tiny hooks that grab onto loops, providing a secure bond that can be easily separated. The connection between Velcro and burrs highlights how nature's designs can inspire practical solutions in everyday products.