Economic Mutualism.

Spring arrives, bringing with it good weather and an explosion of life in our environment. It is an ideal time to observe how living beings relate to each other. If we go for a walk in the countryside, we can see butterflies flitting from flower to flower, establishing a relationship of MUTUALISM between animal and plant, where both individuals benefit equally. This type of collaboration has been fundamental from the standpoint of evolutionary biology. Nature offers us multiple examples apart from insects and flowers:

Such as Anemones and Clownfish.

The vibrant colors of clownfish attract their predators, which, upon contact with the anemone, become paralyzed by it. Additionally, the anemone achieves better oxygenation in its tentacles thanks to the movements of its guests.

For the clownfish, it serves as a defense mechanism and a source of food by taking advantage of the leftovers left by the anemone.

Remoras and Sharks.

In this case, there are various opinions regarding whether it is a relationship of MUTUALISM or commensalism, which serves to explain the difference between one type of relationship and another, being an example that can be applied to human and economic relationships.

Regarding the benefit obtained by remoras, there is unanimity: they gain a source of food and protection. The decisive question is whether the shark also benefits; those who believe so, arguing that remoras serve a cleaning function, speak of mutualism. Those who consider this irrelevant for the predator speak of commensalism, as there is only one beneficiary and another party that is neither harmed nor benefited. This is the key difference, the benefit for both parties or only one of them.

If we consider that an economic system is nothing more than a set of relationships at a personal, national, or international level, we can speak of “ECONOMIC MUTUALISM” when the parties involved receive a similar level of reward based on a relationship of equals and with equally positive outcomes for all.

Crowdfactoring would be an example in this sense, based on a concept of circular economy that promotes the sustainability of the financial system, where the investor, while earning a return on their savings, is contributing to the growth of the real economy.

Technology has become an ally that allows us to interact in a more democratic way, just like butterflies that feed on flowers and, in return, aid in pollination, enabling the benefit of a community of investors to directly impact the business and social fabric.

Nature becomes our best teacher.