Public sector horizon scanning - stocktake of the Australasian Joint Agencies Scanning Network*

Horizon scanning is not new, nor is its use in the public sector. In this article we report and reflect on our experience in the Australasian Joint Agencies Scanning Network (AJASN), a horizon scanning group started in 2005 with the support of four Australian Commonwealth government agencies that in 2012 has a membership of over twenty agencies from Australia and New Zealand. A survey of members past and present in 2012 highlights the importance of leadership, timing and processes in adopting horizon scanning into decision making and planning. The paper places the lessons learnt in context with the broader literature.