Horizon scanning and foresight

We constantly survey the horizon for new and emerging technologies and respond intelligently and in an agile way to what we see and hear in the UK and internationally.

The background to horizon scanning and foresight

Markets and technologies evolve in ways that cannot be precisely predicted. Emerging technologies can change the game completely, as happened with disruptive technologies such as the silicon chip, gene editing, and GPS.

Find out more about our plans in Building the future economy: Plan for action for UK business innovation.

The work we’re doing

We constantly survey the horizon for new and emerging technologies and respond intelligently and in an agile way to what we see and hear, in the UK and internationally.

This includes bringing together the best possible insights and wisdom from across the UK, including from:

  • industry
  • research councils
  • government chief scientists
  • learned societies
  • academia
  • research and technology organisations
  • public sector research establishments
  • metrology and standards expertise
    our innovation partners.

We support businesses through a range of funding programmes and expert support services.

Search for Innovate UK funding opportunities.

Last updated: 31 March 2022

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services.