Natural innovation: The growing discipline of biomimetics
Abstract
Purpose
To examine how inventors are using natural systems and structures as models for technological innovation and design.
Design/methodology/approach
Looks at specific cases of how nature has been used in the invention of products.
Findings
The examples show that there are vast potential advantages to be gained from the mimicry of nature ranging from new applications opening up new markets, to improvements in performance, reduced manufacturing costs, and reduced pollution. Yet, despite all the successes and the growing acceptance of the principle, transplanting natural designs into man‐made technologies is still hit‐or‐miss affair.
Originality/value
This paper is useful to those who are investigating biomimetics.
Keywords
Citation
(2005), "Natural innovation: The growing discipline of biomimetics", Strategic Direction, Vol. 21 No. 10, pp. 35-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540510626727
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited