Horizon Scanning for Medical Technologies: Methodological Framework Development Study of the Medical Innovation...

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Strategic Foresight
• Innovation Management

Background:

• Current foresight tools are insufficient for the complex MedTech landscape.
• Existing frameworks lack technical granularity and regulatory alignment for emerging technologies.
• Methodological gaps hinder effective anticipatory assessment in MedTech.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize MedTech horizon scanning methods for planning, execution, and reporting.
• To reduce uncertainty by systematically identifying and interpreting weak signals.
• To enhance transparency, quality, and comparability in MedTech foresight.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework integrating foresight theory, horizon scanning methods, and the MedTech innovation pathway.
• Utilized a 3-step process: data identification via mapping review, framework construction with expert consultation, and ongoing application/testing.
• Incorporated principles of regulatory and technology readiness levels (TRLs).

Main Results:

• The MedTech Innovation Scanning Techniques (MIST) framework enables systematic weak signal detection across three horizons (emerging, transitional, imminent).
• MIST integrates foresight theory, horizon scanning methods, and the MedTech innovation pathway.
• It supports signal identification, contextualization, and prioritization for anticipatory decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The MIST framework addresses challenges in MedTech horizon scanning by providing a structured, transparent, and reproducible approach.
• It integrates established models with MedTech-specific considerations like regulatory pathways and technology readiness.
• MIST fills a critical methodological gap, improving anticipatory assessment for disruptive technologies in MedTech.