A growing network of individuals, organisations, communities, and initiatives are developing ideas, practices, and infrastructures for radical transformation

A Second Renaissance ecosystem is emerging

This page introduces key resources
for making sense of the ecosystem's key features.

Map of the Second Renaissance Changemaking Ecosystem as created by Life Itself and friends May 2024An impressionistic map of the second renaissance "paradigmatic changemakers" ecosystem. It shows some of the different communities, movements and spaces (primarily in the Global North) that aspire to and/or act to foster paradigmatic change with a second renaissance perspective Read more »

The ecosystem has ripening potential to make a real difference

Change often happens on the margins. We think this ecosystem holds powerful knowledge and perspectives, which diverge from the mainstream and the progressive, on what is needed in response to current crises – as well as practical experience and learnings in how to cultivate deep-rooted change.

Communities and individuals in the ecosystem have been innovating, combining, and experimenting with new processes, practices, theories, technologies, and infrastructures, drawing from a wide range of bodies of knowledge – from ancient and traditional wisdom, to contemporary science and technology.

But at the moment it is difficult to discover, engage with, and make sense of

The ecosystem is currently vague, complex, and sprawling. Some of the many names and terms associated with it are: Integral, Metamodern, Regenerative, Metacrisis-aware, Liminal Web, Game B, and more.

While there is growing recognition around certain thinkers, practices, and physical and virtual gathering places, it is hard to make sense of the breadth and variety. For instance, it has no clear name, language, or identity. This makes it hard to talk about, both within the ecosystem and especially to others outside it. This, in turn, makes effective and strategic collective action more difficult.

Mapping the Emerging Ecosystem

There may never be a clear, singular identity and direction for the ecosystem. However, we think that mapping supports greater understanding, interconnectedness, and coherence within the ecosystem, as well as greater visibility, accessibility, and credibility outside it.

Some of the questions currently animating our work are...



  • What are the "boundaries" and "landmarks" of the space?
  • How is the ecosystem situated in relation to other communities, fields, or movements?
  • Where might there be tensions and disagreements underlying high-level commonalities?
  • How do we help ourselves and others to get a grasp on something that is complex, broad, and still emerging, without unduly imposing reductionist definitions?

Key Resources

Essential resources for exploring and making sense of the emerging Second Renaissance ecosystem

Our Mapping Projects

We've been mapping the ecosystem since 2019. We've created directories of organisations who are part of it, outlined some key characteristics, and created visual maps.

Ways to Contribute

    Who's missing from the maps? Please recommend organisations or initiatives in the ecosystem.

    For other ways to get involved, please get in touch.