Porter's Value Chain

Biological Parallel

Mycorrhizal networks connect tree roots to fungi in a value chain: trees provide photosynthesized sugars (outbound), fungi deliver nitrogen and phosphorus (inbound), and both maintain the hyphal infrastructure that makes exchange possible. Competitive advantage doesn't live in any single activity—it emerges from how tightly the activities link. A fungus partnered with efficient photosynthesizers outcompetes one linked to weak producers. Porter's insight: your value chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and your competitive position depends on how well your links reinforce each other versus rivals' chains.