The Scientific Rationale for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Nature-inspired Design.

Abstract

While the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a politically charged issue, its scientific premise remains unchanged. In this piece, we review mechanisms in nature whereby natural selection has evolved systems to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive with the goal of cooperation, productivity, and sustainability. While DEI mandates may evolve over time, productivity, profits, and efficiency prevail as behavioral economics align with the tenants of DEI across all scales of life and across all markets.