Rhizome Economy: A Connectivity Model of Creativity for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development
Antonio Carlos Ruiz Soria
Economist | Creative Economy Strategist & EU Project Manager
The concept of the rhizome, as elucidated by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari in A Thousand Plateaus, offers a unique perspective on organizational structures, emphasizing non-hierarchical, interconnected, and multiplicitous systems. This essay delves into the application of the rhizome concept in economics, exploring its relevance to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, particularly in the framework of bioeconomy (European Commission, 2018). Drawing from the experience of the ‘Bioeconomy Along the Danube International Study Tour’ in Austria and Germany in the framework of the SCALE-UP project in which I represented CTA (Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía) as a project partner, this essay will showcase how the interconnectedness and capillarity of ecosystems exemplify the principles of the rhizome in action.
Understanding the Rhizome Concept
The rhizome, originating from botany, symbolizes a structure that defies traditional hierarchical models. It is non-hierarchical, heterogeneous, and a-centered, emphasizing interconnectedness and multiplicity. Unlike a tree structure, the rhizome operates through fluidity, openness, and deterritorialization, challenging established hierarchies and promoting a decentralized approach to organization. This concept of a rhizomatic structure, where all individuals are interchangeable and defined by their state at a given moment, fosters a dynamic and adaptable system that thrives on multiplicity and variation. In the context of the creative societies, the rhizome model aligns with the interconnected and collective nature of creativity, where social milieu and collective creativity significantly contribute to talent development and flourishing (Ruiz Soria, 2020)
Connectivity: a Rhizome Model of Creativity for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development
Creativity is a rhizomatic process, where ideas and knowledge are interconnected and flow freely between individuals and groups, leading to the emergence of new and innovative solutions
In the article "Creativity as Connectivity: A Rhizome Model of Creativity", Alexander Styhre and Mats Sundgren explore the concept of creativity through the lens of the rhizome model. The authors argue that creativity is not a property of individuals, but rather a property of the connections between them. They propose that creativity is a rhizomatic process, where ideas and knowledge are interconnected and flow freely between individuals and groups, leading to the emergence of new and innovative solutions. The rhizome model is seen as a non-hierarchical and a-centered field of knowledge, where various nodes can be connected to one another, enabling open-ended creation rather than just reproduction and repetition. The authors also highlight the importance of social and cultural contexts in shaping creativity (in a similar vein as Guido Tabellini related culture to economic development (Tabellini, 2010), and argue that creativity is not just a individual trait, but rather a collective and collaborative process. They suggest that the rhizome model can be applied to various fields, including business, education, and art, to foster creativity and innovation.
Application to Economics and Business/Organizational Innovation Management
In the context of economics, the rhizome concept offers a fresh perspective on how industries and businesses can operate. By embracing a rhizomatic approach, economic systems can become more resilient, innovative, and sustainable. The Bioeconomy Along the Danube International Study Tour exemplifies this by showcasing various bio-based solutions, circular economy practices, and sustainable initiatives in Austria and Germany. From biomass power plants to organic farms, fish leather craftmanship and innovative research institutes, the tour highlighted how interconnectedness and collaboration can drive economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability and fostering entrepreneurship; thus we have seen the creativity of action and dynamic capabilities in real life!
Dynamic Capabilities and the Rhizome Model
The concept of dynamic capabilities, as developed by Donald Maclean, Robert MacIntosh and David Seidl (MacLean et al., 2015), emphasizes the importance of incorporating Hans Joas' creativity of action (Joas, 2005) into dynamic capabilities in organizational change and development. This concept aligns with the rhizome model by highlighting the importance of adaptability and flexibility in organizational structures. The dynamic capabilities approach encourages the development of a decentralized and non-hierarchical system that thrives on diversity and variation, which is in line with the principles of the rhizome model. This approach recognizes that dynamic capabilities are not just about rational decision-making, but also about the creative and intuitive aspects of organizational behavior. By acknowledging the role of creativity and action in dynamic capabilities, organizations can better adapt to changing environments and create innovative solutions.
Linkages to Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability
By fostering a rhizomatic ecosystem, innovation can flourish through the cross-pollination of ideas, diverse collaborations, and adaptive structures
The rhizome concept's application extends beyond traditional economic sectors to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By fostering a rhizomatic ecosystem, innovation can flourish through the cross-pollination of ideas, diverse collaborations, and adaptive structures. Entrepreneurship, when viewed through the lens of the rhizome, becomes a dynamic process of exploration, experimentation, and interconnectedness, enabling the emergence of novel business models and ventures. Sustainability, a core pillar of the rhizome concept, emphasizes the importance of resource-efficient management, circular economy practices, and sustainable solutions that promote long-term viability and environmental stewardship.
The case of 'The Bioeconomy Along the Danube International Study Tour'
The case of the Bioeconomy Along the Danube International Study Tour can be seen as a practical application of rhizome economics in the context of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability
The case of the Bioeconomy Along the Danube International Study Tour can be seen as a practical application of rhizome economics in the context of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. The project's focus on bio-based solutions and its exploration in this study tour of various organizations in the bioeconomy ecosystem in Austria and Germany meticulously organized by the project partner Business Upper Austria illustrates the interconnectedness and complexity of these fields.
The project's visits to different organizations, such as the LINZ AG Biomass power plant, Wood K plus - Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH , Oilmill Raab, Brewery Schloss Eggenberg , Lenzing Group , and BioCampus Straubing GmbH where we discover startups such as Microbify GmbH , showcase the diverse perspectives and approaches to bio-based solutions and sustainable practices. These organizations represent various aspects of the bioeconomy, including research, production, and consumption, and demonstrate the interconnectedness of these sectors, from energy to health and wellbeing to cultural heritage, such it was the case of the fish leather artisan Anatol Donkan, who tans leather from fish skin and uses the material to make handicrafts such as wallets, belts and art projects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rhizome concept offers a transformative framework for understanding and reimagining economic systems, innovation processes, entrepreneurial endeavors, and sustainability practices. By embracing the principles of interconnectedness, multiplicity, and adaptability, businesses, industries, and societies can foster resilience, creativity, and sustainability. The experience from the Bioeconomy Along the Danube International Study Tour serves as a compelling example of how the rhizome economy, with its capillarity and interconnectedness, can drive positive change and innovation in diverse sectors, paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected future.
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International Cooperation and Community Development | Non-Profit Organizations | Public Affairs | Strategic Partnerships | Creative Economy | Innovation & Sustainability | Education | Visual Artist
6 个月Love this!!! Thank you