The Three Horizons Approach: Innovation Tools for Systems Transformation and Sustainable Futures (Palgrave Advances in Possibility Studies) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3032190037 ISBN 13: 9783032190031

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2026

Synopsis

This open access book offers the first comprehensive synthesis of the Three Horizon approach—a participatory approach first introduced by Anthony Hodgson and colleagues, for understanding how change happens in complex systems, envisioning possible and desired futures, and navigating the paths between. The framework provides a versatile scaffolding for navigating complex transitions that translates readily across disciplines, sectors, and worldviews, enabling collaboration across difference—what scholars call a “boundary object”.  It reveals how current systems (Horizon 1) lose fit over time, how alternative possibilities (Horizon 3) emerge from the margins, and how the turbulent space between (Horizon 2) becomes the site of transformative change. 

This edited collection offers a comprehensive synthesis of Three Horizons theory and practice, weaving together contributions from the framework's co-originators with global case studies, practical tips, and tools. It moves from conceptual foundations through applied practice to deeper questions of perception, hope, and transformative capacity—exploring collective sense-making, strategic reflection, and systemic learning. In a world navigating polycrisis—from climate change and technological disruption to social transformation—Three Horizons approach offers a rare integration of systemic thinking and creative imagination.  This book makes that integration accessible and actionable, an essential resource for academics and practitioners in possibility studies, future and anticipation studies, education, sustainability and environmental sciences, and social change.

About this title

About the Author

Trace Gale is Senior Researcher at the Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP) in Chile. Her participatory action research uses Three Horizons with communities navigating territorial transitions in Patagonia.
Andrew Curry is an internationally known futurist, writer, and facilitator who has been central to the development of Three Horizons as both theory and practice.
Sue Robinson is a psychotherapist and Three Horizons practitioner. Her work bridges psychological insight with futures practice, illuminating how inner and outer transformation intertwine.
Sahar Hadidimoud is a futures practitioner, facilitator, and editor working at the intersection of futures and strategy, with over a decade of experience introducing futures thinking into organizations across sectors.

From the Back Cover

"This book shows in a remarkably clear and grounded way why the Three Horizons approach is a vital resource for dealing with complexity and uncertainty about the future."

— Marcel Beyer, Bielefeld University 

This open access book offers the first comprehensive synthesis of the Three Horizons approach, a participatory framework first introduced by Anthony Hodgson and colleagues to understand change in complex systems, envision possible and desired futures, and navigate the paths between. The framework shows the interplay between the current dominant system (Horizon 1), emerging alternatives (Horizon 3), and the way in which the turbulent space between (Horizon 2) can become the site of transformational change. This volume weaves contributions from the framework's originators with global case studies and practical tools. It moves from conceptual foundations through applied practice to deeper questions of perception, hope, and transformative capacity. In a world wrestling with polycrisis, Three Horizons offers a generative way to integrate systemic thinking and creative imagination, opening pathways where others may see only disruption. The book is for scholars, practitioners, and change-makers working in possibility, futures, and anticipation studies, across diverse fields including education, health, sustainability, and social change.

Trace Gale is a Senior Researcher at the Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP) in Chile. Her participatory action research with communities navigating territorial transitions in Patagonia opened a deeper engagement with Three Horizons, and from that curiosity this book was born.
Andrew Curry is an internationally known futurist, writer, and facilitator central to the development of Three Horizons as both theory and practice.
Sue Robinson is a psychotherapist and Three Horizons practitioner whose work bridges psychological insight with futures practice.
Sahar Hadidimoud is a futures practitioner, facilitator, and editor working at the intersection of futures and strategy. 

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3032190037
• ISBN 13: 9783032190031
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 483
• Editor: Gale Trace, Curry Andrew, Robinson Sue, Hadidimoud Sahar