Biomimicry Innovation Centre

Around 2500 years ago Confucius is quoted as saying words along the lines of “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” We're at a time of choice about our goals - we could chase targets that are achievable, and much better than those of a few years back, or we could head for what we know is needed for long term good outcomes, and sustainability.

Too often, at risk of criticism or failure, we adjust our goals to meet what's possible rather than stick with what we know makes sense. Tough sustainability goals are as good as impossible without a change to the way we think - trying to optimise the components of a system without regard to the bigger picture is as effective of pushing water uphill. With a change in the way we think, by viewing the systems that interact to create the reality we experience, things get simpler. Much simpler.

We know that there's a connection between quality of food, nutrition, behaviour, health cost, wellbeing, biodiversity and life expectancy. Addressed as individual disciplines, progress is tough at best; addresses systemically, the jigsaw falls into place. The best way of getting an insight into ways of thinking that enable this systems, whole problem thinking is through the discipline of biomimicry, where designers, planners leaders and problem solvers consciously bring nature's genius for 'finding a way' to the decision making table.

In this a new blog that will be running on the Kew website, we're welcoming ideas, stories, experiences and discussions from people who've worked with the BCI / Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Biomimicry Innovation Centre or know the folk involved through other connections. Most of all, we welcome ideas about how we can get to scale and build the ecological conditions where practice that's fit for the future can spread like wildfire. Join us.