Bidirectional Exchange
Participate in networks by both consuming and contributing.
Mycorrhizal symbiosis is sustained by bidirectional exchange: plants provide carbon (photosynthetic sugars) to fungi, fungi provide nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, micronutrients) and water to plants. Neither partner could survive as well alone. Unidirectional extraction (plant taking nutrients without providing carbon, or fungal cheaters taking carbon without providing nutrients) would collapse the symbiosis.
Business Application of Bidirectional Exchange
Participate in networks by both consuming and contributing. Extract value (use infrastructure, access resources) and contribute value (provide data, share resources, improve infrastructure). Companies using 47 open-source projects while contributing to zero create unsustainable imbalances that damage reputation and relationships at scale.