The wrasse is an interesting fish, and I’ve been playing with the following summary of why we use it:

“The WRASSE framework takes its name from the wrasse family of fish, renowned in ecology for their roles as cleaners of the ecosystem and masters of adaptation. Like the wrasse that changes its colours to thrive in shifting environments, our framework helps organisations adapt their strategy to complex, changing markets. Like the wrasse that contributes to the health of the entire reef by removing parasites, the framework helps organisations identify and mitigate risks, leading to a healthier, more resilient business ecosystem. The name evokes intelligent adaptation and symbiotic relationships within a complex system.”

In that context, within an organisation, we might then be talking about:

• The technological substrate: Your software stack, data architecture, and core technologies.

• The cultural substrate: The shared values, beliefs, and behavioural norms of your organisation.

• The procedural substrate: The core processes, governance, and workflows that dictate how work gets done.

• The network substrate: The web of relationships with partners, suppliers, and competitors.

Dave Snowden divides his time between two roles: founder Chief Scientific Officer of Cognitive Edge and the founder and Director of the Centre for Applied Complexity at the University of Wales. His