Book Recommendation: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus
Dr. Tiffany Vora recommends the book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, by Janine M. Benyus
I passionately believe that the natural world has a great deal to teach us. And I’m not just talking about science. Nature—and biology in particular—is teeming with insights and lessons about innovation, collective action, leadership, and more.
Exploring Bio-Inspired Innovation
As I’m writing my own book about bio-inspiration for business leaders, I decided to check out one of the classic works about learning from the natural world: Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. Shortly after first publishing this work in 1997, author Janine Benyus founded a consultancy and then the Biomimicry Institute, all with the goal of inspiring innovators and organizations to build from biology’s foundations and overarching themes.
A Timeless Guide to Innovation
A page from Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus
This seminal book explores biology-inspired innovations at the forefront of agriculture, energy, manufacturing, health, computing, and business. Yes, it’s a bit dated, given the massive advances that have happened across innovation spaces in the nearly 30 years since this book’s publication. Nonetheless, it’s an illuminating look at the process of biomimicry—a way of thinking that asks, “What if there’s a different way to do the things that we’ve been doing?”
Key Takeaways from Biomimicry
There is. And while some of the companies profiled in this book have been acquired and others folded, we are still at the very beginning of transforming our innovations, our organizations, and our selves in synergy with evolution and the natural world.
Here are the big takeaways from Biomimicry:
Use what you need
Recycle everything
Cooperate and collaborate
Leverage diversity
Navigate limits.
Building a Sustainable Future
Dr. Tiffany Vora exploring nature in Colorado, while reading the book Biomimicry and reflecting on her own book, Bio-Inspired.
There’s much more to it, of course! That’s what makes this book—and its stories about visionary pioneers with superhuman perseverance—so compelling. It’s also why these ideas continue to be refined and tested, decades later.
I’m honored to be contributing to this movement to build a better future through bio-inspiration! And while I’m bringing my own ideas into the world, check out Biomimicry. There’s so much more to come!
More Blog Articles on Bio-Inspiration
How Understanding A Bit About Wool Can Make You A Better Leader
Love the Outdoors? Enjoying Nature Indoors Delivers Bio-Inspired Benefits Too!
How You and Your Team can Navigate the Future with a Bio-inspired Mindset
What Business Leaders can Learn from a Bio-Inspired Mindset: Everything is Connected
The Bio-inspired Mindset: What Aspen Trees can Teach us About Cloning and Diversity
About Tiffany
Dr. Tiffany Vora speaks, writes, and advises on how to harness technology to build the best possible future(s). She is an expert in biotech, health, & innovation.
For a full list of topics and ways to collaborate, visit Tiffany’s Work Together webpage.
Donate = Impact
After a 19-day voyage to Antarctica aboard The Island Sky in November 2023, Tiffany has many remarkable stories to share & a wealth of insights to catalyze a sustainable future.
You can support her ongoing journey by making a contribution through her donation page. Your support will spread positive impact around the world, empower Tiffany to protect time for impact-focused projects, and support logistical costs for pro bono events with students & nonprofits.
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