Methodology

Structural Coherence Analysis

A framework for measuring the alignment between what empirical data shows and what public discourse says, applied across policy, investment, and geopolitical domains.

The core question

When does the narrative match reality?

Every issue domain has two registers of truth: what the data shows (investment flows, trade volumes, production indices) and what the discourse says (media framing, stakeholder positioning, public narrative). These two registers rarely align perfectly. SCA measures that gap, systematically, across actors, and at scale.

How it works

Dual-track measurement

Each analysis runs two parallel tracks simultaneously, then measures their coherence.

Empirical track

Quantitative data: indices, trade volumes, FDI, production stats. Processed via Social Network Analysis to map each actor's influence and interest positions within the network.

Narrative track

Qualitative signals: media coverage, stakeholder statements, public discourse. Weighted via Analytic Hierarchy Process for consistent, validated parameter scoring.

coherence measurement
SCI Score 0-100

Structural Coherence Index, measuring how aligned is an actor's empirical position with its narrative position, across influence and interest dimensions.

82

High coherence

51

Partial coherence

23

Incoherent

Analytical tools

What powers each track

Social Network Analysis (SNA)

Maps actor positions within empirical networks: who holds influence, who has the greatest stake. Output becomes the quantitative input for SCI calculation.

Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Weights narrative parameters with validated consistency ratios, ensuring scoring is structured and defensible, not arbitrary.

Stakeholder Mapping

Translates SNA output into four-quadrant actor maps, visualizing influence, interest, and coherence direction simultaneously.

Coherence Factor

Converts the gap between empirical and narrative scores into a proportional penalty, which is the mathematical core of the SCI calculation.

Inside the StratDNA pipeline

How SCA powers our products

SCA is not a standalone product, it is the confidence engine that runs underneath the entire intelligence pipeline.

Input layer

StratData

Every dataset is built with explicit empirical and narrative columns per parameter. This dual-track structure gives SCA the raw material to measure coherence.

Explore StratData

Validation layer

SCA Engine

Measures the gap between empirical and narrative signals across all actors and dimensions. Produces SCI scores and flags incoherence for recalibration.

Early warning signal

StratLens

Validated signals surface as prioritized alerts in StratLens. Users see which issues demand attention before committing to deeper analysis.

Explore StratLens

Strategic conclusion

StratInsights

From the signal, users move into StratInsights for the full intelligence brief. Prescriptive recommendations grounded in coherence-validated evidence, not just data synthesis.

Explore StratInsights

What clients receive

Outputs per project

SCI score per actor

Ranked coherence scores across all actors in the issue domain, with direction indicators.

Coherent stakeholder map

Four-quadrant positioning of actors by influence, interest, and coherence direction.

Strategic intelligence brief

Prescriptive recommendations grounded in coherence-validated findings, delivered via StratInsights.