Horizon scanning is a method to that is used to identify potentially
important events and developments. It considers potential opportunities and
threats, emphasizing the impact of new information and technology on issues. Common uses of Horizon scanning include: - To develop reports and other documents, that provide information to users about future considerations.
- In considering emerging trends and developments that could have impacts.
- In developing long-term strategic approaches and policy development.
When to use it?
Look: To provide context for developing
strategic objectives and planning. How to do it? Identify relevant areas to scan: social, technology, economy, environment,
politics, and values
Search for signals across a wide range of web sites, magazines and journals
Discern trends among the signal indicating evidence of change
Identify drivers that are causing the trends to develop
Collate the signals, trends and drivers in a report and discuss strategic
implications
Requirements
Horizon scanning requires considerable
desk-research using reputable sources. It can also be done in group. Pros and cons
Pros: - A well done horizon scan can provide a solid information base to assess trends, opportunities, and threats.
Cons: - To produce rigorous work, a considerable amount of time is needed for researching, analysis, and reporting.
Considerations
For horizon scanning to be done well, time must be
allotted to individuals to undertake comprehensive researching, analysis, and
refining before a final product can produced. This can take longer if done in a
group setting. |
