The Symbiosis Strategy Matrix
A comprehensive framework for designing mutually beneficial business relationships based on biological symbiosis principles.
A comprehensive framework for designing mutually beneficial business relationships based on biological symbiosis principles. Helps determine which partnerships to pursue, restructure, or exit by classifying relationships as mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism.
When to Use The Symbiosis Strategy Matrix
Use when evaluating existing partnerships, designing new strategic relationships, or deciding whether to deepen or exit business relationships. Especially valuable when partnership terms are being renegotiated or when you suspect value extraction.
How to Apply
Classify the Relationship
Apply the Three-Question Test to determine if the relationship is mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism.
Questions to Ask
- Does this relationship create new value that wouldn't exist otherwise, or just redistribute existing value?
- After this relationship forms, can both parties still walk away without significant loss?
- If one party becomes 10x more successful, does the other automatically benefit?
Outputs
- Relationship classification
- Value flow analysis
Design for Mutual Benefit
Map resources and needs, test the 10x scenario, and design growth coupling so one party's success directly increases value for the other.
Questions to Ask
- What does each party contribute? What does each receive?
- If either party grows 10x, does the other automatically benefit?
- How can we couple growth incentives?
Outputs
- Exchange balance map
- Growth coupling design
Build Cheater Detection
Implement the Four-Layer System: Visibility, Measurement, Reputation, Punishment.
Questions to Ask
- Can you observe partner behavior?
- Can you quantify cooperation quality?
- Is past behavior visible to future partners?
- Can you stop cooperating with cheaters without harming yourself?
Outputs
- Detection mechanism design
- Sanction protocols
Enable Partner Choice
Multi-source when possible, measure and reward performance, make switching costs low for you and high for cheaters.
Questions to Ask
- Are you locked into exclusive partnerships?
- Can you measure and compare partner performance?
- What are switching costs for each party?
Outputs
- Partner diversification plan
- Performance metrics
Plan for Endosymbiosis Carefully
Only pursue deep integration when co-specialization is extreme, integration creates 10x value, and governance is truly shared.
Questions to Ask
- Is co-specialization extreme enough to justify irreversibility?
- Does integration create 10x value or just eliminate friction?
- Is governance truly shared or is this acquisition disguised as partnership?
Outputs
- Integration decision
- Governance structure
Build Mycelial Networks
Move from hub-and-spoke to mesh networks. Enable partners to cooperate with each other, not just with you.
Questions to Ask
- Can partners connect peer-to-peer?
- Is resource flow distributed or centrally controlled?
- Does the network survive individual node failures?
Outputs
- Network topology design
- Resilience assessment