// Layer 02 — Operational Protocol
The TFP specifies the activation conditions, legal trigger mechanisms, and institutional response sequences for governance instruments deployed at threshold proximity.
// What is the TFP?
The Threshold Function Protocol is the operational layer of c-ECO — the architecture that translates TDR threshold proximity signals into specific legal and institutional actions.
The TFP defines what governance instruments exist, under what conditions they activate, in what sequence they deploy, and what institutional actors hold authority at each stage of threshold proximity.
Unlike conventional governance protocols — which are typically event-triggered — the TFP is proximity-triggered: it operates before the threshold event, not in response to it.
// TFP Activation Sequence TFP.states = [ MONITOR, // baseline operation ALERT, // P(Θ) > α₁ PRECAUTION, // P(Θ) > α₂ INTERVENTION, // P(Θ) > α₃ EMERGENCY // τ(P) < τ_critical ] // Each state: specific legal instruments, // institutional authorities, response obligations
// Protocol Architecture
A structured catalogue of threshold proximity conditions and the specific governance triggers they activate. Each trigger maps TDR signals to institutional responses with defined authority and obligation.
Detailed specifications for the legal instruments deployed at each TFP state — their legal basis, scope, duration, and conditions of deactivation.
Mapping of institutional actors, their authorities under each TFP state, decision procedures, and coordination obligations between governance levels.
Technical specification of the data interface between TDR threshold proximity models and TFP activation logic — ensuring governance instruments receive accurate, timely signals.
Calibration parameters for TFP activation thresholds (α₁, α₂, α₃) and minimum time-to-threshold estimates (τ_min) — domain-specific values derived from TDR outputs.
Institutional logging requirements, decision audit trails, and accountability mechanisms for TFP activation and deactivation events.
// Protocol States
| State | Condition | Governance Response | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONITOR | Baseline — P(Θ) below alert level | Continuous indicator monitoring, institutional readiness | Standard institutional authority |
| ALERT | P(Θ) exceeds first threshold | Enhanced monitoring, stakeholder notification, preparatory measures | Designated alert authority |
| PRECAUTION | P(Θ) exceeds second threshold | Precautionary legal instruments activated, resource mobilisation | Elevated governance council |
| INTERVENTION | P(Θ) exceeds third threshold | Full intervention instrument deployment, coordination mandated | Designated intervention authority |
| EMERGENCY | τ(P) below critical minimum | Emergency governance protocols, maximum instrument deployment | Emergency authority |
// Documentation
Full TFP documentation — trigger catalogues, legal instrument specifications, and operational variable sets — is available through the Publications section. For working documents and consultation drafts, contact the research team.