Last edited 12 Mar 2025

Horizon scanning

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines horizon scanning as: ‘A formal gathering of data and information from various sources (and often of unrelated subject matter) and combining it to predict approaching risks or opportunities in order to support decision making.’

Competence frameworks for the built environment – Core criteria for sustainability competence - Code of practice , Version 3, published by the Edge for the Construction Industry Council in February 2025, defines horizon scanning as: ‘a systematic and proactive foresight method for identifying and responding to early signals of change.’

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