Horizon Scanning and HTA – Past, Present and Future

Horizon Scanning is a systematic approach to identifying early signals of emerging health technologies, trends, and disruptions. In healthcare, it plays a vital role in managing risk, supporting early planning for costs, infrastructure, workforce needs, and patient access before new technologies reach the system.

In Australia, many stakeholders have called for the re-establishment of a national Horizon Scanning system. However, to date, there has been a lack of consensus on the purpose(s) for horizon scanning.

At the 2025 ARCS Australia Annual Conference, our Director George Papadopoulos joined Orin Chisholm and Franz Pichler to present the session: Horizon Scanning and HTA – Past, Present and Future. This thought-provoking discussion explored the evolving role of Horizon Scanning in supporting Health Technology Assessment (HTA). As well as how it can adapt to meet the goals of Australia’s HTA Reform.

📄 Download the full presentation via the RESOURCES page on our website HERE

This presentation outlines how Horizon Scanning can evolve to address current limitations, and why a structured, forward-looking approach is essential to align innovation pipelines with patient needs.

Additionally, the Horizon Scanning and HTA – Past, Present and Future session was highlighted by Megan Brodie and MedNews Aust/NZ for its relevance and timeliness.

🔜 What’s next?

George Papadopoulos will continue contributing to this vital conversation as a participant in the Horizon Scanning: Medicines of Tomorrow Forum. Presented by Medicines Australia in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

The event will take place at Parliament House, Canberra, on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

This national forum brings together key stakeholders across government, industry, and patient advocacy. To spotlight emerging and disruptive technologies that are likely to shape Australia’s health landscape over the next decade and that require planning today.

The event provides a critical platform to:

🔷 Showcase major therapeutic advances approaching regulatory or reimbursement systems

🔷 Highlight potential disruptions to existing treatment paradigms

🔷 Explore what’s needed in terms of system readiness, resource planning, and health infrastructure adaptation

Importantly, the forum will also address the policy implications of these innovations and the importance of early coordination to ensure that health systems and patients are prepared for the future.

The 2025 Horizon Scanning program will be announced in July and Medicines Australia Members and invited guests will be invited to register. For more information including registration details, email events@medicinesaustralia.com.au

🎉 We also extend our congratulations to the Australian Health Innovation Observatory on securing significant funding to establish a nationally coordinated horizon scanning capability. Congratulations as well to Dr Orin Chisholm from the University of Sydney, who will lead efforts to identify emerging medical and health technologies in Australia. Supporting the key priorities of both Commonwealth and state government decision makers and aiming to reduce patient delays in accessing new health technologies. Also, congratulations to George’s ARCS 2025 co-presenter, Franz Pilcher who is also part of the delivery team.

Stay tuned as we share more updates on this critical conversation shaping the future of healthcare in Australia.