The CBCR initiative was mainly based on Theory U, a framework for catalysing transformative personal and systems change. It combines systems thinking, innovation, leadership and awareness to investigate and utilise deeper sources of learning. The methods tried in the workshops stem from Social Presencing Theater, one of the main practices of the Theory U framework. The concept of embodied intelligence is also closely related to the CBCR pilot.

Other theoretical frameworks and models that are closely linked to embodied intelligence, transformative learning and leaderships include:

• The Iceberg Model that explains the importance of a deeper level and invisible structures
• Path between chaos and order which casts a light upon how the balance between these two fosters the culture of creativity and learning
• Inner Development Goals – the inner capacities needed to deal with increasingly complex environment and challenges
• Bildung that connects to a broader phenomenon of transformation in education and learning