Futures research (including Foresight and Horizon Scanning) has emerged as a key instrument supporting the formulation, implementation and evaluation of science, technology and innovation policies. The terms Foresight and Horizon Scanning (collectively referred to as FHS) are more recently being used interchangeably and, for this reason, this presentation introduces new concepts and frameworks (e.g. S.M.A.R.T. Futures Jigsaw) that provide a clear idea about major similarities, differences and synergies between these two complementary policy instruments.

In addition, the growing demand for FHS has led to he creation of a spin-off company (Futures Diamond) aimed to become a leading player in the provision of state-of-the-art technologies and systems for future-oriented research and innovation processes. Futures Diamond has recognised the need to move away from the "systems rhetoric" to a "system development" approach capable of delivering innovative and customised products and services. Thus, the presentation introduces 7 free systems recently developed for the iKnow project (iBank, iScan, iDelphi, iOracle, iNews, iLibrary and iCommunity).

Finally, the presentation shows how the first 3 systems are currently being redesigned to meet the needs of the Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) Horizon Scanning activities, which are aimed to inform workforce decisions of the healthcare, social care and public health systems in the UK.