Three Horizons
Three Horizons (or 3H) is a framework and method for futures studies and practice, created by Bill Sharpe, Anthony Hodgson, Graham Leicester, Andrew Lyon and Ioan Fazey.[1] It presents an idealised picture of change in a given system as an interplay of three horizons.[1] Horizon 1 (H1) is the currently dominant but failing system that declines over time as it loses its fit with a changing environment.[1] Horizon 3 (H3) is the envisioned desired future that is aligned to the changing environment.[1] Horizon 2 (H2) is a turbulent intermediate space of innovations, some of which are 'captured' by H1, prop it up and extend its lifespan (so-called 'H2-' innovations), and some of which are genuinely disruptive and create space for a radically different kind of system to emerge ('H2+' innovations).[1] The framework also illustrates the existence of 'pockets of the future in the present': niche examples of actors and systems working in a radically different way to the mainstream, which already embody H3 values.[1] In addition, some aspects of H1 will remain valuable in the desired future.[1]
3H is commonly used in workshop settings to help organisations and actors create strategies for transformational change (i.e. fundamental change that shifts underlying values and worldviews, rather than more superficial kinds of change).[1]
History
[edit]3H was created in c. 2008 from an adaptation of McKinsey & Company's 'three horizons of growth' framework.[2] A seminal paper describing the 3H framework was published in 2016 in the journal Ecology & Society.[1]
Use examples
[edit]3H has been used by various organisations around the world, including the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, the UK Government's Policy Lab, Johnson & Johnson Foundation, H3Uni, International Futures Forum, the University of York, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Chatham House, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Leaders' Quest, Volans, School of International Futures, Future Stewards, Natural Resources Wales, Race to Zero, Global Optimism, Metabolic, Systemiq, Forum for the Future, Thirty Percy, Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Impact Amplified, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, and Bounce Beyond.[3][4] Future Stewards coordinates a Three Horizons Practice Network and lists organisations that have used 3H.[3] Impact Amplified lists 3H use examples.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Sharpe, Bill; Hodgson, Anthony; Leicester, Graham; Lyon, Andrew; Fazey, Ioan (2016-06-28). "Three horizons: a pathways practice for transformation". Ecology and Society. 21 (2). doi:10.5751/ES-08388-210247. ISSN 1708-3087.
- ^ "Seeing in Multiple Horizons: Connecting Futures to Strategy * Journal of Futures Studies". Journal of Futures Studies. 2024-08-05. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
- ^ a b "Future Stewards". futurestewards.com. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
- ^ a b "Three Horizons Network". Impact Amplified. Retrieved 2024-10-03.