The Three Horizons Approach: Innovation Tools for Systems Transformation and Sustainable Futures

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.

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.