Overview
Horizon scanning is used to detect emerging threats and opportunities, and to guide decision and policy-making ahead of actual events.
Horizon scanning enables you to anticipate change and, by extension, helps the organisation to be proactive rather than reactive.
Also known as
- Competitive intelligence.
- Environmental scanning.
- Foresight process.
The tool
Horizon scanning involves the systematic monitoring and assessment of the different types of environments in which the organisation operates. These include:
- Technological environment.
- Social environment.
- Physical environment.
- Commercial environment.
- Legislative environment.
Why use it
- It has strong links to strategy and the strategic direction of the organisation as well as to risk management.
When to use it
- Horizon scanning should be a continuous activity and relate to the longer-term objectives of the organisation.