Bioindustrialization by native people: A systemic management approach to foster coevolution

This article proposes a systemic management model tailored for biofactories operating within the Amazon rainforest. The model aims to empower indigenous populations by enhancing their control over local development and a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Leveraging the Model of Systemic Control and the Viable System Model, we employed a qualitative methodology based on interviews with key stakeholders, including Indigenous leaders and community representatives, to incorporate local perspectives and values into the proposed redesign. Our analysis of management structures in community-based social enterprises guided the redesign, grounded in the principles of organizational cybernetics. The study was conducted at the Amazon Creative Lab (ACL), a biofactory situated within the Amazon rainforest that serves as a platform for innovative experimentation and capacity building, showcasing the potential of the forest and local communities. By prioritizing cultural appreciation and addressing exclusionary and colonialist practices, the ACL highlights the importance of integrating cultural values and respecting local traditions. The proposed management model enhances organizational self-determination while balancing the interaction between traditional communities and Western perspectives, reinforcing the role of community organizations within their territories.