Symbiosis and the viable system model

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest symbiosis could be a metaphor for finding ways to help countries that are challenged to become economically and socially viable. Beer's viable system model (VSM), which also has biological roots could be applied to look for gaps in the conditions for viability and to seek to fill them through collaborative arrangements.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper suggesting various symbiotic processes in biology could inform actions in the social environment.FindingsConcepts from biological and environmental sciences can be applied to social conditions. The viable system model provides a framework for such applications.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents general ideas and some examples of possibilities for symbiotic collaboration. Opportunities for symbiosis to be applied to the social arena would emerge through exploration of local conditions.Practical implicationsMuch could be accomplished at various scales through imaginative collaboration. The natural world provides models and metaphors to stimulate thinking about collaboration.Originality/valueThe author suggests that the phenomenon of symbiosis in the natural world could provide useful concepts to apply to situations where countries and regions that are not viable or viable enough in the global marketplace. The VSM is discussed regarding a framework to integrate opportunities for collaboration.