The living world as a model and a source of innovation

This collective decision-making to address the biodiversity crisis has seen the emergence of new prospects for innovation based on nature. In 1997, Janine Benyus coined the expression biomimicry, which consists of imitating the living world, in her book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. According to Kalina Raskin- Delisle, Managing Director of the CEEBIOS4, biomimicry consists of reconciling biodiversity, innovation and the ecology 1 . Bio-inspiration, a term close to biomimicry, includes the notion of using ecosystems as an example of the relations between species and the workings of the living world.

The Australian company BioPower Systems 2 has developed two complementary tidal power systems. One imitates the movements of the caudal fin of certain fish, while the other imitates giant algae, in order to produce renewable electricity from marine energy without harming any marine species.

Today, imitating the living world means drawing inspiration from what happens in nature, and then optimising it, by developing technologies adapted to human beings s needs, in line with the idea of sustainable development. In this way, it is quite possible to imagine new materials, such as biomaterials, or alternative energies, such as biogas or biofuels. This

3 - Litterally Companies for Environment , EpE gathers around 40 French and international large companies from all sectors of the economy, who work together to better integrate environment into both their strategies and their day-to-day management. 4 - Founded in 2014, the European Centre of Excellence in Biomimetics in Senlis, France (CEEBIOS), aims to spread the adoption of biomimicry as an innovative mechanism for the energy transition.

1 opinion: Kalina Raskin_p.14 2 solutions: BioWAVE & BioSTREAM_p.44 3 introducing: Jérôme Perrin_p.24 4 expertise: The secrets of biomolecules_p.54

demands an effort to study biological, biochemical or b i o m e c h a n i c a l models combined w i t h te c h n i c a l concepts, in order to develop industrial applications. An effort illustrated by Renault s Scientific Director, Jérôme Perrin, who looks for solutions inspired by nature that will make vehicles safer and cleaner 3 . This multidisciplinary approach calls on both fundamental science and engineering. As does research into biomolecules, a new field of study for the CIRSEE (SUEZ main research centre) that proves that researchers are diversifying in order to introduce new disciplines into their skill sets 4 .

By studying the living world, from its tiniest microscopic forms or to very large scales, we can develop innovative know-how in order to rise to the present and future challenges of the resource revolution. We therefore understand that our survival depends mainly on our capacity to urgently implement an ecological transition, in which the fight against climate change and the conservation of biodiversity are inseparable.

Turning marine currents into energy

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