Exaption - Language of the New Mindset

 

A LinkedIn post by Helen Bevan triggered this Thought Spark, meant to ignite and expand the conversation.



Exaptation is a term used in evolutionary biology to describe a trait that has been co-opted for a use other than the one for which natural selection has built it.

Exaptation is a concept many executives may not be familiar with, especially those who have built successful careers focused on efficiency and operational excellence in established industries. Let me provide some context on exaptation and how it relates to the other concepts you mentioned:

Exaptation:
Exaptation is a process where existing features or capabilities are co-opted for new uses that differ from their original purpose. This concept comes from evolutionary biology but has been applied to innovation and business contexts. 

Key points about exaptation:

1. It involves using features for purposes other than what they were originally intended for.
2. It can lead to novel innovations without requiring prediction or foreknowledge.
3. It's part of the process of niche co-construction and agent co-evolution.
4. It can be a powerful tool for innovation by generating novelty within existing systems.


Relation to other concepts:

1. Recombinant Innovation (Ed Morrison):
Recombinant innovation involves combining existing ideas, technologies, or resources in new ways to create value. This concept is similar to exaptation in that it focuses on using existing elements in novel ways. However, recombinant innovation is more intentional and directed, while exaptation can be more serendipitous.

2. Entrepreneurial Mindset (Dr. Saraswathy):
Dr. Saras Saraswathy's concept of effectuation in entrepreneurship emphasizes working with available means and embracing uncertainty. This aligns with exaptation's focus on leveraging existing features for new purposes without requiring precise prediction of outcomes.

Challenges for traditional executives:

1. Shift in perspective: Exaptation requires looking at existing resources, processes, or features from new angles, which can be challenging for those used to optimizing within established frameworks.

2. Embracing uncertainty: Unlike efficiency-focused approaches, exaptation doesn't guarantee predictable outcomes, which may be uncomfortable for executives accustomed to more controlled environments.

3. Valuing serendipity: Recognizing and capitalizing on unintended features or effects requires a mindset that values unexpected discoveries, which might not align with traditional strategic planning approaches.

4. Cross-disciplinary thinking: Exaptation often involves applying ideas or features across different domains, which may require executives to think beyond their specific industry expertise.

To leverage exaptation, executives might need to:

1. Encourage exploration and experimentation within their organizations.
2. Foster a culture that values curiosity and unconventional thinking.
3. Develop systems to identify and capitalize on unintended features or effects of their products, services, or processes.
4. Collaborate across disciplines and industries to identify novel applications of existing capabilities.

Understanding and applying concepts like exaptation can help executives move beyond traditional efficiency-focused approaches and tap into new sources of innovation and value creation. This can be particularly valuable in rapidly changing business environments where adaptability and novel thinking are crucial for success.

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