From innovation-as-usual towards unusual innovation: using nature as an inspiration

Abstract Innovation-as-usual employs synthetic input as the key source of inspiration to bring about innovations, whereas unusual innovation is inspired by designs in nature. The use nature a stimulus for represents fundamental shift management and business studies. It involves translation natural into cross-domain ad hoc designs. This paper examines discusses phenomenon biomimetics different examples its application. Efficient critical processes exploration, explanation exploitation. practical case biomimetic identifies some greatly understudied translational processes. proposes techniques correct existing imperfections establish theoretical bridging points responsible practices. Before concluding, research managerial implications are briefly addressed.