EcoEchoSystem Tech Tree

A substrate‑aligned map of scientific unlocks

The EcoEchoSystem Tech Tree provides a Civilization‑style view of how scientific capabilities emerge once the RTT/vST substrate is in place. Each tier represents a set of unlocks that become possible only when specific substrate prerequisites are met. This structure makes scientific progress legible, walk‑backable, and cross‑domain coherent.

The tech tree is divided into five tiers:

• Tier 0 — Pre‑existing Tools
• Tier 1 — Substrate Unlocks (RTT/vST)
• Tier 2 — Domain Unlocks
• Tier 3 — Cross‑Domain Unlocks
• Tier 4 — Civilization‑Level Unlocks

Each tier corresponds to a file in this directory.

Purpose#

The tech tree exists to:

• Show how RTT/vST reorganizes scientific development
• Reveal dependencies between domains
• Provide a clear progression of unlocks
• Enable simulation templates to reference substrate prerequisites
• Make scientific reasoning more like a structured exploration rather than a collection of isolated discoveries

This is the first tech tree designed for cross‑domain science.

Tier Structure#

Each tier is documented in its own file:

• tier0_preexisting_tools.md
• tier1_substrate_unlocks.md
• tier2_domain_unlocks.md
• tier3_cross_domain_unlocks.md
• tier4_civilization_unlocks.md

A visual graph (unlock_graph.png) provides a high‑level overview of dependencies.

How to Use This Tech Tree#

The tech tree is designed to support:

1. Simulation Templates#

City‑level, civilization‑level, cognitive‑agent, and ecosystem simulations can reference specific unlocks to determine which mechanics are available.

2. Domain Module Development#

Each domain module (psychology, physics, economics, governance, AI, biology) can declare which substrate unlocks it depends on.

3. Research Roadmapping#

Researchers can identify which scientific questions become solvable once certain substrate prerequisites are met.

4. Educational Pathways#

The tech tree provides a structured way to teach cross‑domain science using RTT/vST.

Design Principles#

The tech tree follows four core principles:

1. Substrate First#

All unlocks depend on RTT/vST invariants, not on domain‑specific assumptions.

2. Regime‑Aware#

Unlocks are tied to regime transitions, not linear progress.

3. Cross‑Domain Coherence#

Domains unlock capabilities for each other.

4. Multi‑Scale Applicability#

Unlocks apply across individual, group, city, and civilization scales.

Status#

This directory is actively evolving.
As the EcoEchoSystem expands, new unlocks and dependencies will be added.