Horizon scanning- tips and tricks: A practical guide

This is a practical guide intended to develop scanning capabilities within the European Environment Agency (EEA) and European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet). It offers simple, step-by-step instructions on how to frame, run, and analyze results of a systemic horizon scan with limited resources. It focuses on developing a daily practice without the use of automation, advanced tools, or time-intensive processes.

This guide begins with key futures literacy concepts such as:

• Key differences between horizon scanning and environmental scanning
• One future vs. multiple futures
• Predicting the future vs mapping the future
• Cognitive biases affecting foresight practitioners

Then, it lays out a step-by-step guide for how and where to scan. the four main steps are:

1. signal spotting- how to frame the scan and where to find signals
2. signal scanning- outlines frameworks to use for best results
3. sense-making- understanding the signals collected and understanding the insights
4. communication- how to share the results

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