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Horizon scanning

Horizon scanning helps us anticipate the future trends shaping sport and physical activity, guiding innovation and better outcomes for people and communities. 

What is horizon scanning?

Horizon scanning is a process that helps to identify the emerging trends and issues that will impact the future of sport and physical activity.

It helps us understand long-term shifts in society, technology, economy, environment, and policy, allowing us to anticipate challenges and opportunities in the future. 

We use horizon scanning to inform our strategic decisions, by providing foresight into how the sector may evolve.  

Understanding these trends enables us to adapt, innovate, and improve how we create positive outcomes for people and communities across England. 

Horizon scanning is about preparing for the future – ensuring that sport and physical activity can continue to evolve in a way that meets the needs of all individuals and communities, regardless of the challenges ahead. 

Read the trends

These trends highlight potential changes in society, the economy, and technology that will influence how we engage with sport and physical activity over the next decade.

The trends are based on the best evidence available at the time of publication in 2021 and 2024. The implications and possible impact of the trends are intended to present a high-level view, and not an exhaustive list of possibilities. 

Read the trends

How to use horizon scanning

1. Read the trends

Explore the analysis of each trend – including a breakdown of drivers and sector implications – to discover the challenges and opportunities ahead.  

Read the trends

2. Download the template

Helping you apply the trends to your own strategic planning. 

Download the template

3. Choose the trends most relevant to your work

Pick the areas that would impact you most. 

4. Consider the impacts

Think about how each trend could affect your work. 

5. Plan for best and worst cases

Focus on the implications, opportunities and threats to your work. 

Other tools and resources

Government futures thinking and foresight guide

Tools and frameworks for long-term planning.

View the guide

 

State of the Nation report

Looks back at the key trends shaping life in the UK over the past year, helping us understand the context behind activity levels and participation.

For more information or to discuss how these insights may be relevant to your work, contact [email protected]. 

Read the report

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