Abstract
This paper examines the mutually beneficial relationship between biomimetics and modelling and simulation tools, showing how each can enhance the other. Through a literature review and a detailed use case on anaerobic digestion, the study highlights how the complexity, multiscale organisation, and functional richness of biological systems challenge current modelling capabilities. By analysing the contributions of modelling and simulation to product development, such as early performance validation, rapid and lowcost iteration, and multicriteria evaluation, the paper questions whether integrating modelling and simulation tools to biomimetics would bring similar benefits to the design process. Several hypotheses are formulated regarding the potential contributions of modelling and simulation to biomimetics, particularly the improvement of biological system understanding through advanced visualisation and the assessment of functional viability using parametric modelling. Integrating such tools into biomimetics is envisioned as a means to reinforce the existing methodology, support more reliable principle transfer, and facilitate the wider adoption of biomimetics as a problemsolving design approach, ultimately promoting the emergence of biomimetic innovations across diverse applications.