Biomimicry: Economic Driver for San Diego

Last year, San Diego Zoo hosted a full day biomimicry seminar. Momentum continues to build:

REPORT INDICATES THAT BIOMIMICRY MAY BE MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR SAN DIEGO
Conservation-based study by Fermanian Business and Economic Institute to be shared at San Diego Zoo event

A conservation-based field may be the next economic trend for San Diego, according to an impact report to be released next week. The report, commissioned by the San Diego Zoo from the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute (FBEI) at Point Loma Nazarene University, works to quantify the burgeoning field of biomimicry and its effect on San Diego.

Details of the report will be announced by Dr. Lynn Reaser, chief economist of FBEI and principal author of the report, at an event at the San Diego Zoo on November 18.

Biomimicry is the discipline  of studying nature’s best ideas and then applying these designs and processes to solve human problems. Notable examples of biomimicry-inspired products include Velcro, wind turbines inspired from whale flippers, bullet trains based upon a kingfisher’s beak, and many others. Companies that are currently working in this field include QUALCOMM, Proctor and Gamble, and PAX Scientific, as well as entrepreneurial startups.

“The completed report organizes many existing efforts in this field by significant companies across the globe, then develops in greater detail the potential economic and investment implications on the global, U.S., and regional economies, and finally articulates a compelling case for making the San Diego region a global biomimicry hub,”  said Randy M. Ataide, executive director of the FBEI.

“Biomimicry could represent a revolutionary change in our economy by transforming many of the ways we think about designing, producing, transporting and distributing goods and services.”

The San Diego Zoo’s effort to build biomimicry as a new approach to solving technical and economic challenges arises from its mission to conserve endangered species.  “The key to biomimicry is the value we place on natural systems and species,” said Paula Brock, chief financial officer for the San Diego Zoo.  “Biomimicry offers an opportunity to bring successful economics together with conservation.  We hope this study will inspire new companies and entrepreneurs to focus upon the development of this field.”

A key finding of the report is that biomimicry holds the potential to attract sizable capital inflows, driven by the prospects of rapid growth and high rates of return, and that venture capital potential could flow into the field at a pace at least equal to that of biotech, estimated to be about $4.5 billion in the U.S. in 2010. Modeling done by the FBEI projects that a San Diego biomimicry hub could add $325 million to SanDiego’s gross regional product and $162 million in total personal income on an annual basis, with an initial 2,100 new jobs created for San Diego.

The study also analyzed the multi-year efforts of the San Diego Zoo, administered by San Diego Zoo Global, in encouraging the viability of biomimicry and concluded that this work and investment in the field has successfully positioned the region to now lead in the formation of a global biomimicry hub composed of critical regional stakeholders including for-profit and non-profit firms, government agencies, private and public universities, scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs. The study determined that “The Zoo is currently the only facilities-based provider of biomimicry services in the world” and also that “The Zoo plans to build the first biomimicry research and education network to drive major biomimicry research and commercial applications.”

Attendees at the upcoming event will receive a copy of the entire report, and registration is required to attend the event. To RSVP for the November 18, 2010, event at the San Diego Zoo, visit www.sandiegozoo.org/biomimicryor call 619-231-1515, extension 5477. For further information or a copy of the report, contact Helen Cheng at HCheng@sandiegozoo.org or 619-552-3927 or Cathy Gallagher at the FBEI at CathyGallagher@pointloma.eduor 619-849-2564.

Point Loma Nazarene University is a selective liberal arts university located in San Diego, California, and sits on a 90-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to more than 50 undergraduate areas of study, PLNU offers graduate program regional centers in Bakersfield, Arcadia, Mission Valley (San Diego) and the Inland Empire. Founded in 1902, PLNU serves more than 3,500 students.

The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as the Wild Animal Park), which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.