Our Programmes

Emerging Horizon

In this horizon we see an emerging innovation where ideas originate and evolve to become future technologies. This is the horizon of the unknowns, and it is here that we identify potentially disruptive technologies that may have significant impact. Often the future use of technologies in this horizon is not yet determined.

This horizon is populated with patent intelligence and early research such as  conference abstracts. Funders keen to progress early innovation are also a good source of signals. In some fields published and grey literature dealing with exploratory preclinical or very early clinical literature can be used to triangulate against these sources.

Game-changing technologies emerge out of this horizon, so methods used here ultimately support work downstream in the transitional and imminent horizons.

Transitional Horizon

The transitional horizon is where we see healthcare technologies move from early clinical trials phases to pre-regulatory stages. Intelligence and evidence is emerging as these technologies evolve and progress in their development sometimes iteratively.

Clinical trial registries are a main source of information in this horizon, especially for medicines. Additional sources searched include published reports and research studies, manufacturers’ sites, specialist publications, conferences proceedings, regulatory agencies and news sites. As research and development dominates this horizon funds and grants from organisations including charities become an important source of information. In this horizon, technologies often experience changes in name, intended purpose or indication, or even developer, meaning that news is an important source.

Imminent Horizon

This is the near horizon where healthcare technologies have already been launched or are undergoing regulatory and technology appraisal processes. Technologies in this horizon are at late stage of development and their existence is usually known to stakeholders. In this horizon, technologies have undergone testing in and out of the clinical setting and there are several levels of evidence available about their performance and intended use.

As a first step in the identification of technologies as this stage of development, rapid evidence synthesis will be performed. Supplementary searches on specific data sources such as clinical trial registries for ongoing studies, regulatory bodies or company websites for additional data collection will also be performed. Engagement with experts (including patients and members of the public) for insights into aspects of those technologies are recommended as this intelligence may support prioritisation in the decision-making process.