Horizon Scanning
Horizon scanning is the systematic examination of information to detect early signs of potentially important developments—weak signals, emerging issues, and wild cards—before they become obvious or fully formed. By surveying a wide range of sources at the edge of current attention, it gives decision-makers advance warning of opportunities and threats and supplies the raw material for foresight, scenario building, and anticipatory policy.
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Sources
- Sutherland, W. J., & Woodroof, H. J. (2009). The need for environmental horizon scanning. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 24(10), 523-527. DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2009.04.008 ↗
- Amanatidou, E., Butter, M., Carabias, V., Könnölä, T., Leis, M., Saritas, O., Schaper-Rinkel, P., & van Rij, V. (2012). On concepts and methods in horizon scanning: lessons from initiating policy dialogues on emerging issues. Science and Public Policy, 39(2), 208-221. DOI: 10.1093/scipol/scs017 ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 22). Horizon Scanning. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/science-technology-studies/horizon-scanning
Which method?
Set this method beside its closest kin and read them side by side — the library lays the books on the table; the choice is yours.
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