6 Things That Biomimicry is Calling For

Have you ever wondered: What does biomimicry need to scale? Instead of asking what can biomimicry do for me, we're going to reverse that and ask, what can we do for biomimicry? 

We've surveyed over a thousand plus individuals who've taken our short courses and mentored programs, and we've found a few recurring answers pertaining to what would help biomimicry grow. There are a few things that would help the movement expand, reach more people and make an (even bigger) change in the world. 

None of us can do all of these, but most of us can do some of these. Here are six things that biomimicry is calling for. 

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1. Biomimicry is Calling For Better Marketing

I used to think that if you had a really really big idea, you don’t need marketing - because the big idea would sell itself.

But the opposite is true. A big idea requires a lot of behavioural change which creates a lot of psychological friction. 

A good example was the invention of the smallpox vaccine in 1796. From the time when Dr Edward Jenner came up with the idea until the time it was being used, it took 50 years to get full acceptance. Before the implementation of something that would save thousands of lives, Jenner faced massive psychological and institutional resistance, as well as religious opposition.

REALLY big ideas require a lot of marketing, because it requires a lot of people to change their minds. 

It’s not a revolutionary idea – in fact, nature has known it since the dawn of life on the planet – if you want to attract a mate, it pays to show off.

Interestingly, if you speak to an evolutionary biologist, they understand marketing, because they know that animals and plants need to advertise themselves. The "Costly Signalling" theory proposes that animals (including humans) and plants may put a lot of effort into showcasing their desirable characteristics and access to resources.

“The meaning and significance we attach to something is felt in direct proportion to the expense with which it is communicated” - Rory Sutherland.

2. Biomimicry is Calling for Evolution  

Firstly, we have many incredible biomimics to thank for where we are today. From the likes of the godmother of biomimicry Janine Benyus to Dayna Baumeister and Claire Janisch. Biomimics stand on the shoulders of giants... including nature!

With that said, biomimicry urgently needs to continuously and rapidly evolve, including both shallow and deep innovation. You see, biomimicry is on a spectrum and can therefore mean different things to different people. 

Established biomimicry is mimicking what others have already figured out. It's the meta version of biomimicry. The best innovators know when it's time to invent and when it's time to innovate... and as any biomimic worth their salt will tell you - there's no point in re-inventing the wheel. 

Pioneering biomimicry is right on the cutting edge of innovation, and it's useful for solving complex and critical challenges. Most of the note-worthy biomimicry case studies and biomimicry examples are examples of pioneering biomimicry.

3. Biomimicry is Calling for Biology

Our understanding of biology is nascent. Science has been around for thousands of years, and yet, there's still a magnitude of knowledge that humans don't have about the world around us and all its living organisms. 

Our understanding of medicine is similar... when doctors see a problem - often the solution is just to cut it out - i.e.) appendicitis, tonsillitis, etc. One thing we know about nature and the human body is that it's incredibly efficient... our understanding of biology is limited. It's not to say that doctors aren't doing their best or are wrong... but it is to illustrate that we need a much better understanding of biology (and medicine too).  

A 2021 study found that only 41% of publications on bio-inspired or biomimetic research included an author from a biology-related department or organisation. 

The lack of biological knowledge and literacy also means that there is a lack of biodiversity in the life forms that are mimicked. We need biologists who have the deep understanding, the DNA blueprints, that could potentially unlock the path towards transformative innovation.

If you're a biologist starting out on your biomimicry journey, download this free eBook: A Biologist's Guide to Biomimicry

4. Biomimicry is Calling for More Enabling Tools

Much like how the microscope was absolutely crucial to cell biology, new and breakthrough tools can better enable us to practice biomimicry. Consider the fact that without microscopes, our understanding of cell structure, function, and the fundamental building blocks of life would be severely limited. We’re now starting to see emerging tools like generative design, genome sequencing, AI and bio-inspired computing models.

Biomimicry does not need more barriers. It needs automation, accessibility and all the help it can get. Generative design and AI can dramatically expand nature-inspired innovations and scientific breakthroughs. It can assist biomimics as research assistants, thought partners, and designers.

The greatest potential: to further help humanity decode the laws of nature and apply them to our designs, our cities and our systems. 

One critic I have of Artificial intelligence and ChatGPTs of the world is that it lacks a well defined and integrated ethos. These are tools - and as with any tool - it can be used for both good and bad. Biomimicry differs in that it offers a unique and timeless approach to how we can create a life-friendly future.

We deeply need natural intelligence alongside artificial intelligence.

5. Biomimicry is Calling for a Simple Language

We know that biomimicry is interdisciplinary. We need architects to talk to biologists, and scientists to talk to engineers. We need entrepreneurs to talk to sustainability consultants. We need doctors to talk to bio-technicians. The list goes on.  

But everyone is speaking a different language. Take academia for example. Reading a PhD thesis is like eating glass. Biomimicry needs us to simplify our language, and craft it for the other's ear.

Biomimicry does not have to be exclusive and esoteric. It can (and should) be discovered, understood and applied by anyone who has the interest and passion, even children. 

6. Biomimicry is Calling for Practical Application

Lastly, biomimicry is not calling for more frameworks, textbooks, or theoretical lectures. The world wants and loves things that are deterministic. We want predictable outcomes.
Does Learn Biomimicry offer framebooks, textbooks and lectures? Yes... we're guilty of this. But we do ground our learnings and products in an alternative way to traditional education. 

Biomimicry and innovation is non-deterministic. There’s no guaranteed path and you cannot take a specific course that ensures your success. Biomimics, like entrepreneurs or traditional innovators, take different routes, face unpredictable challenges, and even with the same efforts, outcomes can vary widely depending on market conditions, luck, and timing.

And so, biomimicry can not rely on formal structure alone. It must grow through experimentations, trial and error, learning by doing and absorbing advice, ideas and guidance from others. This is best expressed through accelerators and programs that encourage the practical application of biomimicry, like the Ray of Hope Accelerator at the Biomimicry Institute, or the Biomimicry Practitioner Programme at Learn Biomimicry. 

Closing thoughts

Biomimicry is flourishing under the care of brilliant thinkers, doers, inventors and innovators, educators and practitioners. But we need more biomimics, more growth and more awareness. And we need to act now, more than ever. Let's take hands and be part of the growth of this beautiful movement. 

Are you interested in learning more about biomimicry? Start where you are, no experience needed. Get a solid understanding of what biomimicry is and how it can be applied through in-depth videos and handbooks. Promote your career, upskill yourself and get a certificate endorsed by the Biomimicry Institute through the Biomimicry Foundational Short Course Set.

Still Curious?

If you are ready to start applying biomimicry, read this blog:
6 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Biomimicry Project