Network Weaving

Complexity science can feel very esoteric, inaccessible and eye-glazing for all but us convinced CS geeks. If you want something that is consistent with complexity theory but which has very tangible and useful handles, you may find this Network Weaving site helpful.

I first came across the site while reading about the success of Appalachian economic development in Ohio. They developed a strategy based on intentionally building robust networks that generated actual economic value. Their approach clearly demonstrates that leadership, intentionality, structure, and planning are all requirements of adaptive organizations but the way these approaches are used led to multi-hub networks rather than hierarchical, command-control, structures.

It seems very likely that their insights and practices are applicable at different scales and settings as long as what is mimicked is the strategic/structural approach, not the context-dependent variables.

Over time I think it will become increasingly common to see social network maps of organizations, neighbourhoods, cities, etc. We'll get better and better at identifying fragile, vulnerable networks and will, over time, learn how to increase their adaptability. We'll also be able to see where the networks reflect a healthy structure that exhibits sufficient resilience to weather unknown change.