Horizon Scanning: Gathering Research Evidence to Inform Decision Making

Horizon scanning is a process used to search out early signs of new trends, opportunities, and risks that might become important. We carried out research on this process to inform leaders in the provincial ministry of health who are establishing a horizon scanning team. As such, we reviewed five organizations with expertise in scanning. Our objectives were twofold: to explore particular elements about scanning, such as what resources are required, what sources are reviewed, what products are created (e.g., newsletters), and how the scan’s impact is evaluated; and to examine the use of horizon scanning as a tool by governments and other organizations that have expertise with scanning. This briefing summarizes our findings, which provide the ministry with some very tangible sources of information and tools to consider as they launch their scanning team.