Horizon scanning (also known as environmental scanning) is the foundation of strategic foresight. It is a systematic process of exploring the external environment to identify potential threats, opportunities, disruptions, uncertainties or likely developments relevant to the issue or system under study. The goal is to better understand the nature and pace of change. The basic elements of horizon scanning are weak signals, i.e. developments that are perceived to have unknown or low probability of occurring and a potentially high disruptive impact if they do occur.

Relevant data is the foundation of sound decisions and good policies—both public and corporate. However, we don't have data from the future; we only have data from the past. Therefore, it is necessary to confront the current state of knowledge with the dynamics of upcoming changes and the weak signals that indicate them.

The past is the subject of many discussions, interpretations, and analyses. Paradoxically, the future, which in many aspects is more relevant than the past, often receives less attention. Creating space for active interest in the future is the first step toward better understanding it.

To better understand the future, it is crucial to connect the dots, linking phenomena and trends. The future has not yet happened, and therefore cannot be empirically studied. However, we can prepare for it by exploring alternative development scenarios, identifying potential risks, and recognizing opportunities.