Do you have a Horizon Scanning service in your organisation?
Do you scan the horizon yourself?
If not, why not?
Many organisations have a "competitor analysis" function, often as part of their strategy or marketing divisions, but I've found few organisations that continually scan the horizon for change - and even fewer that intentionally incorporate the insights into their future strategy.
Every single aspect of your organisation is subject to change - which is impacted by far more than just your competitor activity!
The long term success of any organisation is largely dependent on its ability to continually adapt and respond to the constantly changing world in which we exist.
Those organisations that cultivate a culture of continuous transformation enabled and accelerated by appropriate governance, process and technology, are best placed to leverage change for competitive advantage and they are able to respond in a proactive manner to the impacts and implications that current and future changes will have on their staff, their business models, their industry ecosystem, consumer behaviours and society in general.
Responsive organisations such as these have the ability to shape the future, as opposed to simply reacting to it.
Horizon scanning is now, more than ever before, business critical to survival.
As a qualified foresight professional, horizon scanning is one of my core capabilities and I have previously established global horizon scanning services in a variety of organisations.
Horizon Scanning Service
I have previously established global Horizon Scanning and Scouting services for multiple organisations that I have worked in and I've advised and guided many more to set up their own.
I have developed my own tools and techniques which ave been refined over years of practical application of the art and as an academically trained foresight professional, this is one of my core competencies.
There are many ways you could set up a horizon scanning service and one of the best / quickest / most cost effective ways of doing this is by leveraging your own staff and Subject Matter Experts (SME's).
A stand alone, "skill transfer" Horizon Scanning workshop will teach you and your team the fundamentals of where and how to undertake horizon scanning and what to do with what you find.
The workshop forms part of the Innovation Masterclass which provides a far broader overview of the process of innovation, change and transformation and covers further tools and techniques.
Setting up the service is only the start of the process - how you store, share and use the information you gathered for maximum impact is a whole different topic. If you're considering establishing your own Horizon Scanning Service and need some help and guidance, please feel free to contact me on the "hello" link at the bottom of the page to explore opportunities for me to join your project for a period of time to share my experience and give you a helping hand.
Feel free to contact me on the "hello" link at the bottom of the page to discuss your requirements for a one-off, bespoke Horizon Scan.
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If you engage me on a retainer basis, I can act as your "early warning system" and continually pass on items of interest to you and your organisation - please click here to find out more about the benefits of having someone with my skills at your disposal.