Why the Backing Britain 3.0 Expo and Dunbar's Number are Connected

Combining virtual reality, online exhibiting and in-person networking opportunities, Backing Britain 3.0 exhibition is set to propel manufacturers into the digital era, in the biggest exhibition from the Made in Group to date. On top of accelerating manufacturers' pursuit to net-zero with digital competencies, the in-person aspect of the event has an overarching purpose too. Have you heard of Dunbar’s number?

Dunbar’s number is “150”, a theory brought about by British anthropologist Robin Dunbar. According to Dunbar’s theory, there is a maximum number of relationships of any kind a human being can maintain. Essentially, any one person can create meaningful contact with 150 people only and here's why. 

Dunbar became convinced that there was a ratio between brain sizes and group sizes through his studies of non-human primates. This ratio was mapped out using neuroimaging and observation of time spent on grooming, an important social behaviour of primates. Dunbar concluded that the size, relative to the body, of the neocortex – the part of the brain associated with cognition and language – is linked to the size of a cohesive social group. This ratio limits how much complexity a social system can handle.

This principle was applied to humans by examining various data about group sizes. With a particular focus on how big groups get before they split or collapse, the magic number was 150. 

The Backing Britain 3.0 expo will be accompanied by three in-person events in Wolverhampton, Derby and Leeds where 100+ manufacturing decision makers are set to attend each event. Alongside hearing from industry and celebrity speakers, each event is a perfect opportunity for manufacturers to build and maintain lasting industry relationships whilst adhering to Dunbar’s everlasting theory. 

However not everyone subscribes to the social brain hypothesis. Some are sceptical about the possibility of deriving a magic number for social interaction at all. Still, it can be a useful exercise for thinking through communities and evolution.

Contact [email protected] to exhibit at #backingbritain 3.0, please ensure to do this before 29th October.