Horizon scanning

The FSA has developed its horizon scanning and foresight capability to identify signals of change, understand key emerging trends, identify priority risks and opportunities and support strategy, policy, operations, and regulatory teams in identifying and testing options and responses.

Progress against objectives

We have been developing our processes and systematising our intelligence flows and assurance processes. New insights were discussed on a regular basis by a cross-cutting team of senior leaders, led by the FSA’s Strategy Unit. Actions and decisions are taken to implement activities across operations, policy, regulatory compliance and communications in response. The insights from horizon scanning are reviewed regularly by the FSA Board, by the executive management team and other leaders across the FSA.

Initial evidence review and prioritisation exercises identified priorities for analysis, collaborating closely with the academic community and where appropriate, industry.

• alternative proteins
• personalised nutrition
• the future of feed
• the future of meat production and innovations in the meat industry
• systemic vulnerabilities and potential disruptors to the food system

While it is still early in its development, this approach is allowed the FSA better situational awareness. The challenge now is to ensure that we have the appetite and the resource to respond to these changing risks.

Back to the Main report: Activities and Performances 2021/22.