The horizon scanning process can be a formal, documented and tightly controlled series of steps or it can be managed informally, provided those involved understand what they are doing and why. The important thing is that it is continuous. It is not a one-off exercise completed before an annual strategy meeting. The business environment is constantly changing and you need to know about it!
The steps involved in horizon scanning are:
 |  | Organise and Lead. Create a scanning team, allocate space for information capture, organise an initial brainstorming session and outline your business vision. |  | Scope. Identify key areas in your business environment, identify information sources and assign scanning tasks and frequencies. |  | Scan. Gather information and communicate it to the relevant people. |  | Analyse. Organise a weekly meeting, discuss your findings, record relevant information and archive insignificant information. |  | Review. Discuss your scanning process and scope. Continue to scan or repeat Step 2. | |
Click the links under "futureSME tools for Horizon Scanning" to download the entire process methodology.