A framework is a network of frames which functions as a base to enable or facilitate the hierarchical (and, sometimes, modular) development of a specific system.
Frameworks inevitably create at least two levels of hierarchy, but they can be levels of design instead of governance.
A framework functions by linking frames which each hold a formal component which can develop in various ways, depending on the framework's specification. A framework is, technically, a component itself; it’s a component which provides “connective tissue” (and, often, creates connective issues.)
Frameworks can be used to develop many types of systems and resources.
A framework can function as the basis of a recipe.
It’s often unnecessary and undesirable to design or describe a framework for a small system of components which are directly connected to each other, or are very simply connected via unspecialized mediums or channels. However, most science and engineering--and much other design work, too-- is implicitly based on designing or describing a framework of reasonably well-defined components, interfaces and connectors (mediums, links or channels). This is the standard, tried-and-true way of designing or describing highly complex and specialized structures, whether with strictly separated machine parts or the fluids, membranes and biochemistry of organisms.
template: Templates are often frameworks. However, templates don't necessarily include frames, so they're not always frameworks. Frameworks aren't necessarily templates, but they often include templates and can be templates. For example, a web framework is a developmental framework which often includes default or even "boilerplate" code modules, which are customizable templates.
policy, protocol: Policies and protocols are often primary components of frameworks. (Note also that policies often contain protocols.)