Emergent Specialization in Biologically Inspired Collective Behavior Systems

Specialization is observable in many complex adaptive systems and is thought by many to be a fundamental mechanism for achieving optimal efficiency within organizations operating within complex adaptive systems. This chapter presents a survey and critique of collective behavior systems designed using biologically inspired principles. Specifically, we are interested in collective behavior systems where specialization emerges as a result of system dynamics and where emergent specialization is used as a problem solver or means to increase task performance. The chapter presents an argument for developing 216 Nitschke, Schut, & Eiben Copyright © 2008, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. design methodologies and principles that facilitate emergent specialization in collective behavior systems. Open problems of current research as well as future research directions are highlighted for the purpose of encouraging the development of such emergent specialization design methodologies.