Building Horizon Scanning Capability
The Challenge
As horizon scanning becomes increasingly important for supporting evidence informed decision-making, there is growing demand for practical skills and structured approaches to identifying emerging medicines before they reach health systems.
Recognising a gap in professional development, the Innovation Observatory drew on almost a decade of experience delivering national medicines horizon scanning to create its first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, helping to build capability across the health, research and policy communities.
Our Approach
In March 2026, we delivered our inaugural online Medicines Horizon Scanning CPD course, bringing together participants from a range of organisations and professional backgrounds.
Delivered across three interactive online sessions, the course combined expert teaching with practical activities, enabling participants to apply horizon scanning methods within their own organisations.
Participants developed the skills to:
- Understand the principles of medicines horizon scanning.
- Identify and evaluate credible information sources.
- Analyse emerging medicines and assess their potential impact.
- Synthesise evidence into practical outputs, including policy briefings and data tables.
- Conduct a medicines horizon scan relevant to their own area of work.
To encourage broad participation, concessionary places were offered to delegates from low- and middle-income countries, research institutions, charities and postgraduate students.
The Impact
Demand exceeded expectations, with the course reaching capacity and generating interest in future training opportunities.
Feedback highlighted the value of the interactive, practical approach, giving participants the confidence to apply horizon scanning methods in their own organisations and demonstrating a clear appetite for structured professional development in this specialist field.
The course also marked an important milestone for the Innovation Observatory, extending our role beyond delivering horizon scanning to building capability across the wider health and care system.
Looking Ahead
This course represents the first step in a growing programme of professional development designed to strengthen horizon scanning capability.
Future CPD courses will expand into new areas, including medical technologies and other emerging innovations, helping researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals develop the skills needed to anticipate change and prepare for the future.
If you are interested in future CPD courses, please register your interest here and we will be in touch.
