This paper was presented at The XXV ISPIM Conference – Innovation for Sustainable Economy & Society, Dublin, Ireland on 8-11 June 2014. The publication is available to ISPIM members at www.ispim.org. 1 Biologically-Inspired Management Innovations Taryn L. Mead University of Exeter, School of Business, Streatham Court, Rennes Dr. Exeter EX4 4PU t.l.mead@exeter.ac.uk Abstract: Biologically-inspired innovation is a growing trend in multiple sectors including design, engineering, architecture and many others. While each discipline is developing its own methodologies and tools to support its development, little attention has been given to the role of biological inspiration in the design of organizations. Dating back to the late 1970s, there have been examples of biological and ecological principles informing management and innovation within firms and academia. While many of these examples utilize biological models to support sustainable development, many do not address it holistically and only focus on the sustainability of the firm. This paper clarifies this distinction and characterizes Biologically-Inspired Management Innovations that are becoming increasingly common to support both corporate innovation and sustainability agendas. Keywords: Biomimicry; Biomimetics; Biologically-inspired Design; Management Innovations; Sustainability-oriented Innovation. 1 Introduction Tools, methods and processes for sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) continue to expand across sectors. One such tool, Biologically-Inspired Innovation (BII, also know as biomimicry, biomimetics, bionics, biologically- inspired design, etc.) has grown exponentially in its use in innovation processes within the last ten years in the private sector and in academia (Bhushan 2009; The Fermanian Business and Economic Institute 2010). This innovation method is based on the premise that nature has been innovating for sustainability for 3.8 billion years through the processes of evolution and there is much to be learned from biological systems about both innovation and sustainable development (Benyus 1997). Primary research of biological strategies and technical design applications has increased exponentially and BII has been touted in popular