The article discusses the potential of biomimicry, an innovation method that draws inspiration from nature to solve human design challenges, in promoting sustainable development in developing countries. Despite its promising economic impact, biomimicry has been largely overlooked in development economics literature and has been primarily adopted by advanced economies. The study highlights the potential of biomimicry for biodiverse nations to upgrade economically by leveraging their natural resources and biodiversity as a knowledge bank. However, the lack of policy and institutional support has led to coordination failures, hindering the adoption of biomimicry in developing countries. The article concludes that government interventions are necessary to stimulate the accumulation of capabilities around nature-inspired innovation, including long-term funding, access to biodiversity resources, and interdisciplinary education programs. Additionally, legal frameworks and institutions are needed to protect natural assets and biodiversity. The study provides key points for decision-makers, including the potential contribution of biomimicry to global GDP and employment creation, and the importance of promoting biomimicry-based innovation strategies for sustainable development.
Emulating nature’s strategies, we can harmonize economic growth with biodiversity preservation through biomimicry-inspired innovation policies.
