Original scientific paper

Biomimetics in Modern Organizations – Laws or Metaphors?

Markus Schatten ; 1Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb
Miroslav Žugaj ; 1Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb

Abstract

Biomimetics, the art and science of imitating nature and life for technological solutions is discussed from a modern organization theory perspective. The main hypothesis of this article is that there are common laws in nature that are applicable to living, social and likewise organizational systems. To take advantage of these laws, the study of nature’s principles for their application to organizations is proposed – a process which is in product and technology design known as bionic creativity engineering. In a search for most interesting concepts borrowed from nature we found amoeba organizations, the theory of autopoiesis or self-creation, neural networks, heterarchies, as well as fractals and bioteaming which are described and reviewed. Additionally other concepts like swarm intelligence, stigmergy, as well as genesis and reproduction, are introduced. In the end all these ideas are summarized and guidelines for further research are given.

Keywords

biomimetics; organization theory; autopoiesis; network science; bionic creativity engineering

Hrčak ID:

76734

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76734

Publication date:

30.6.2011.

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