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What is it?

Horizon Scanning is a form of market research and engagement with the aim of discovering and building awareness of new technologies, solutions, and suppliers. Unlike traditional market engagement, which is usually prompted by a defined need, horizon scanning is an open-ended intelligence gathering activity with the purpose of understanding the current state of play and trends in technology markets, and anticipating future opportunities. Horizon scanning refers both to actively soliciting engagement from suppliers and systematically documenting unsolicited introductions and proposals for future use.

Why does it matter?

• Being knowledgable about companies and solutions available on the market is critical to making strategic decisions regarding whether to build, co-develop, or buy technology systems and products when a need arises.
• Horizon scanning catalyses innovation in your IT estate through identifying suppliers with innovative applications or point solutions that can be bolted on or integrated into existing IT systems.
• Horizon scanning will help you draw inspiration and spot parallels in what others are doing around technology innovation - both in the public and private sector.
• Engaging in horizon scanning activities will help you build relationships with a wider range of suppliers, thereby increasing competition if and when you go to tender.
• By already having engaged with large segments of the market, horizon scanning may speed up procurement processes - you will be aware of what the market is able to provide, and will easily be able to engage suppliers for feedback around a specific procurement.

Who should do it?

Responsible - Digital & IT Teams Digital & IT teams should continuously engage with the market to understand new technological developments and discover innovative suppliers, regardless of whether there is a defined technology need.

Accountable - CIO / CDO The CIO / CDO is ultimately responsible for ensuring that digital and IT teams are conducting horizon scanning activities, aware of new technological developments, and informed as to how these could contribute to the digital transformation roadmap.

Consulted - Service Teams Digital & IT teams should consult service teams to understand their process flows, user needs and pain points with their current technology systems. This awareness will contextualise horizon scanning activities. Digital & IT teams should feedback to service teams to make them aware of the 'art of the possible'.

Informed - CIO / CDO & Procurement Team Digital & IT teams should inform the CIO / CDO when they have discovered a solution they wish to procure or pilot, and inform the procurement team when they have the green light to go ahead.

When should you do it?

Horizon scanning should be a continuous process that informs strategic planning and decision making around procurement. As such, the sooner you get started, the better. You should make an effort to ensure that active horizon scanning is a regular activity, with dedicated time set aside to manage inbound supplier engagement and plan recurring outreach events.

How should you do it?