Outsights was commissioned by the UK Government's Foresight Department to produce an authoritative scan of future trends to 2050 to inform its futures work and policy making across all government Departments. The Scan was commissioned under former UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David King. 

Bringing the long-term into view 

In partnership with Ipsos MORI, Outsights led the development of the Sigma Scan (www.sigmascan.org), an online database of quality assured papers on future issues and trends to 2050,drawn from more than 2,000 futures sources including think tanks, academic publications, mainstream media, corporate foresight, expert/strategic thinkers, government sources, alternative journals, charities/NGOs, blogs, minority communities, futurists and interviews with 300 leading thinkers. 

More than 250 succinct research papers covering issues across the PESTE category were produced, with links to other relevant and important issues and ranking criteria which included Impact, Likelihood of happening, Controversy, Where and How fast it the issue could develop in order to better inform analysts and policymakers.

Translating long-term views to action 

The Sigma Scan was launched in 2006 by Sir David King, for UK Government Chief Scientist, who said: "We're not in the business of predicting the future, but we do need to explore the broadest range of different possibilities to help ensure government is prepared in the long-term and considers issues across the spectrum in its planning. The Scans are aimed at stimulating debate and critical discussion to enhance government's short and long term policy and strategy." 

From 2006 to 2010 Outsights has worked with the UK Government Foresight Department to embed this futures thinking across Whitehall, using the Sigma Scan in combination with our futures facilitation to develop Scenarios and future assessment criteria for Government Departments. 

Some projects directly benefiting from this project include:

• Families in Britain: an evidence paper (DCSF, December 2008)
• Scenarios for the Future International Environment 2010-2020 (DIUS, May 2008)
• Challenges and Opportunities in Identity Assurance (HM Treasury, March 2008)
• Food Matters - Towards a Strategy for the 21st Century (Cabinet Office, January 2008)
• Tackling Obesities: Future Choices (GO-Science, October 2007)
• Long-term opportunities and challenges for the UK: analysis for the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review (HM Treasury, November 2006)
• Future of Asian Trade with the UK (UKTI, March 2006) 

Tomorrow's World Today: Outsights On the Challenges of Horizon Scanning

A review of the Sigma Scan programme (www.sigmascan.org) developed by Outsights and Ipsos MORI for the UK Government, and how it can lead to action.

UK Government Futures

A wide survey of futures thinking in Government with projects completed by Outsights using the Sigma Scan (www.sigmascan.org) and scenario thinking.

Future of Asian Trade with the UK

Future International Environment 2010-2020

A report on four futures for the UK in the international environment, published by the UK Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Food Matters: Towards a Strategy for the 21st Century

A future strategic framework for food policy published by the Cabinet Office, with contributions from Outsights facilitation and the Sigma Scan.