Three Horizons Mapping
The Three Horizons framework helps you map transformation pathways by organizing activities and innovations across three time-based perspectives.
Maintain & Defend
Current systems and practices. Business as usual. Incremental improvements to existing approaches.
- • Existing products/services
- • Current business models
- • Established practices
Create & Build
Bridging innovations. Emerging solutions that connect the present to the future.
- • Pilot projects
- • Hybrid solutions
- • Transition activities
Transform & Transcend
Visionary futures. Breakthrough innovations and transformative possibilities.
- • Future visions
- • Breakthrough innovations
- • Transformative solutions
How to Use This Tool
1. Brainstorm Activities
Think about current practices, emerging innovations, and future possibilities in your domain.
2. Categorize by Horizon
Place each activity in the appropriate horizon based on its time frame and transformative potential.
3. Look for Connections
Identify how H2 activities can bridge between H1 and H3, creating transformation pathways.
4. Plan Your Strategy
Use the map to balance investments across all three horizons for sustainable transformation.