Three Horizon Framework by Bill Sharpe




The Three Horizons framework has evolved significantly since its inception:

Originally developed by McKinsey partners Mehrdad Baghai, Stephen Coley, and David White in 2000, the framework was introduced in their book "The Alchemy of Growth" as a tool for companies to manage growth by balancing current performance and future opportunities[4].

Since then, the framework has gained widespread recognition and adoption across various industries, becoming a versatile approach to strategic planning and innovation management[5]. 

One notable evolution came from futurist Bill Sharpe through his 3 Horizon's Framework (Video Link to 5 minutes summary overview) to focus more on creating shared visions of new systems and planning transitions. Sharpe's version emphasizes that all three horizons are needed simultaneously in system transitions, rather than viewing them as purely sequential[1].

The framework has also proven useful beyond its original business context. It has been applied to fields like philanthropy, sustainability, and social change. For example, it's now used to help stakeholders envision desired future systems and plot paths toward changing existing systems[1]. We are in the process of exploring relevance to reimaging and reinventing Supply Chain Systems in Healthcare and Banking. The characteristics of the Supply Chain Maturity Model looks: 1. Enhance Cost-Efficiency---> 2. Increase Resiliency and ---> 3. Improve Adaptive Intelligence. 

I find Kate Raworth's (Video Link to 3 Horizon Guide) very useful to ignite a collaborative conversation with key stakeholders. 

Additionally, the framework has been expanded to include concepts like the "three voices" exercise, which highlights the importance of all horizons in system transitions, not just the visionary third horizon[1].

Overall, while maintaining its core structure, the Three Horizons framework has evolved to become a more flexible and widely applicable tool for thinking about change, innovation, and future planning across diverse domains.

How has Bill Sharpe's original vision for the framework influenced its current applications

Bill Sharpe's original vision for the Three Horizons framework has significantly influenced its current applications in several ways:

1. Emphasis on systems thinking: Sharpe developed the framework as a tool for thinking about transformation and systemic change. This focus has led to its widespread use in addressing complex challenges like sustainability, healthcare, and social change.

2. Collaborative approach: The framework was designed to facilitate collective thinking about the future. It continues to be used as a collaborative tool for groups to envision shared futures and plan transitions.

3. Present-focused future thinking: Sharpe emphasized that all three horizons are present simultaneously. This insight remains central to the framework's application, encouraging users to identify seeds of the future in the present.

4. Flexibility and adaptability: Originally conceived for business growth, the framework's versatility has allowed it to be applied across various fields, from philanthropy to environmental conservation.

5. Focus on patterns and transitions: Sharpe's emphasis on identifying pattern shifts rather than specific events or technologies has made the framework valuable for long-term strategic planning.

6. Integration of innovation: The framework's treatment of the second horizon as a space for disruptive innovation continues to be a key feature in its current applications, helping organizations navigate change.

7. Value-based approach: Sharpe's focus on underlying values and assumptions in each horizon has made the framework useful for addressing cultural and systemic changes, not just technological ones.

These aspects of Sharpe's original vision have contributed to the Three Horizons framework becoming a widely used tool for thinking about and planning for transformative change across various domains.

Citations:
[1] Three Horizons Framework by Bill Sharpe - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7V6C3580WI
[2] The Three Horizons framework explained by Bill Sharpe - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHRyNnwiGz0
[3] Three Horizons Framework - a quick introduction - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5KfRQJqpPU
[4] The Three Horizons Framework - NPC - New Philanthropy Capital https://www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub/systems-practice-toolkit/the-three-horizons-framework/
[5] Three Horizons: The Patterning of Hope - Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Three-Horizons-Patterning-Bill-Sharpe/dp/1909470244





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