The tools

Strategy relation

Each technique can be mapped to one of six stages in the horizon scanning process and to one of three stages in the strategy development process. 

The stages in the strategy development process are
1.    Strategic analysis: during this stage of the strategy development process, strategists gather and analyse knowledge about the area of strategic importance;
2.    Strategy formulation: this is the stage where the organisation describes its strategic visions, identifies aims and objectives, explores strategic options and identifies the resources required to deliver the strategy;
3.    Strategy implementation: the stage where organisations move into delivery mode.

These stages are not always wholly distinct or linear.

Putting the horizon scanning and strategy processes together creates a 3x6 matrix.  Each technique has been represented graphically on the matrix to help users of the toolkit navigate through the scanning and strategy processes.

Policy processes

 

Horizon scanning stage

Each technique can be mapped to one of six stages in the horizon scanning process and to one of three stages in the strategy development process.

The stages in the horizon scanning process are:
1.    Scoping: setting out the broad parameters of the project or subject of interest.  It is not necessary at this stage to be precise about the project scope, but to set out the broad territory for the futures work.
2.    Gather information: in this stage, the scanning team begins to gather information from a wide range of sources about current and future trends which might impact on the project or subject of interest.  The information should be drawn from a wide variety of sources and shouldn’t be too tightly focused.
3.    Spot Signals: at this stage, the project team will begin to see patterns and signals in the information gathered during stage 2 that will suggest emerging trends or developments which might have a direct or indirect impact on the project area.
4.    Watch trends: during this stage, the project team will begin to track some of the emerging trends to get a clearer picture of the pace and direction they are taking.
5.    Make sense: this is the stage where futures analysts and strategists begin to explore what the emerging signals and trends mean for the future development of the project or subject of interest and for the organisation and its work.
6.    Agree the response: the final stage of the process is where the futures analysis is used to inform the organisation’s strategic or policy response.  This stage may result in changes to business and operating plans.