NIHR Innovation Observatory

We aim to transform health systems and improve population health by providing advanced data-driven insights that foster innovation and equitable access to high-quality care. We deliver actionable insights that drive investment, regulation, decision-making, and implementation, enhancing efficiency across the health and care sector. Horizon scanning detects signals to support proactive decision-making Signal Detection: Is a method that systematically searches for signs of important developments to help us assess whether we are prepared for the potential changes triggered by these developments in the future. In the context of healthcare, these developments may be innovative healthcare technologies such as new medicines, medical devices, diagnostics or digital health tools and applications that are still under development. Anticipatory decision-making: Intelligence and insights gathered, selected and analysed through horizon scanning practice equips our stakeholders with anticipatory intelligence to make the best decision about future healthcare innovations avoiding unnecessary delay in patient access to these potentially life saving healthcare innovations. Implementation, Dissemination and Unmet needs: Horizon scanning outputs support the dissemination of innovative healthcare technologies and may assist the healthcare system with their implementation. Additionally, horizon scanning contributes to identify areas of unmet need for future horizon scanning topics.