About the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre
Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology
Mission
To serve as a source of scientifically robust evidence on emerging medical technologies and healthcare trends for key stakeholders across the healthcare system, including technology developers, healthcare providers, public authorities and regulators, investors, as well as professional and patient communities.
Building on analytical insight, the Centre identifies emerging challenges and high-potential solutions, develops evidence-based reference points for decision-making, supports proactive strategic planning, and contributes to the implementation and sustainable governance of healthcare innovation.
Building on analytical insight, the Centre identifies emerging challenges and high-potential solutions, develops evidence-based reference points for decision-making, supports proactive strategic planning, and contributes to the implementation and sustainable governance of healthcare innovation.
Vision
To establish an integrated platform for continuous horizon scanning and monitoring of medical technologies and technological trends, enabling early identification and assessment of the most promising and relevant innovations for the healthcare system.
The Centre aims to support evidence-based prioritisation, piloting and implementation of high-impact technologies, thereby contributing to informed strategic decision-making and strengthening long-term technological leadership in healthcare.
The Centre aims to support evidence-based prioritisation, piloting and implementation of high-impact technologies, thereby contributing to informed strategic decision-making and strengthening long-term technological leadership in healthcare.
Core Activities
Assessment of Export Potential and International Market Access
Support for Regulatory and Public Decision-Making
Educational Programmes for MedTech Developers and Manufacturers
Evaluation of the export readiness of medical technologies and pathways to international markets.
Design and delivery of specialised training programmes for developers and manufacturers of medical technologies.
Technology Analytics and Foresight
Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology
Evidence-based analytical support for regulators and public authorities.
Development of Horizon Scanning and Strategic Foresight Methodologies
Advancement of horizon scanning and strategic foresight methodologies for application in healthcare.
Assessment and forecasting of the development potential and maturity of medical technologies for developers and manufacturers.
Team
Dmitry Shchurov
MD; PhD; Associate Professor of the Department of Technological Leadership at Sechenov University; MSc in Health Policy, Innovation and Management (Maastricht University, the Netherlands); Head of the Centre
Nuriya Musina
PhD (Pharmaceutical Sciences); Associate Professor; MSc in Economic Evaluation for Health Technology Assessment (University of York, UK); MBA (EDHEC Business School, France).
Deputy Head for International Markets and Export Strategies in Healthcare
Deputy Head for International Markets and Export Strategies in Healthcare
Igor Mizin
Intern Researcher
Horizon Scanning Methodology
Horizon scanning (HS) is a systematic process for identifying new, emerging or existing technologies that have the potential to impact healthcare systems, medical practice and population health.
The HS methodology is designed to develop early awareness and anticipatory insight into technological and organisational change. It is considered the first stage of the health technology assessment (HTA) cycle, providing an evidence-informed foundation for subsequent prioritisation, evaluation and policy decision-making.
The HS methodology is designed to develop early awareness and anticipatory insight into technological and organisational change. It is considered the first stage of the health technology assessment (HTA) cycle, providing an evidence-informed foundation for subsequent prioritisation, evaluation and policy decision-making.
The objective of horizon scanning is to ensure the early identification of scientific and technological developments that may have a significant impact on healthcare practice and strategic decision-making within the sector.
Horizon scanning provides a foundation for research planning, improvement of regulatory frameworks, rational allocation of resources, and preparedness of healthcare systems for the adoption and implementation of innovations.
Horizon scanning provides a foundation for research planning, improvement of regulatory frameworks, rational allocation of resources, and preparedness of healthcare systems for the adoption and implementation of innovations.
Stages of Horizon Scanning
The horizon scanning process consists of several sequential stages, each with distinct objectives, analytical tasks and methodological tools.
1. Technology Identification
The identification and collection of information on emerging medical technologies...
2. Technology Filtering and Prioritisation
Following identification, the shortlisted technologies are assessed against predefined criteria...
4. Dissemination of Results
Horizon scanning outputs are presented in the form of analytical reports...
3. Impact Assessment
At this stage, the potential impact of technologies on clinical outcomes...
5. Monitoring and Updating
Horizon scanning is a continuous process. Regular data updates...
1. Technology Identification
The identification and collection of information on emerging medical technologies is carried out using a comprehensive set of methods, including:
- analysis of scientific literature (bibliometric analysis, systematic reviews);
- analysis of clinical trial registries (including ongoing and planned studies);
- analysis of patent databases (WIPO, EPO, USPTO and others);
- technology scouting — active identification of innovations in universities, research centres and start-ups;
- expert surveys, Delphi panels and focus groups;
- monitoring the activities of regulatory agencies responsible for the registration and assessment of health technologies (Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and others);
- use of artificial intelligence tools for large-scale data analysis and identification of emerging and latent trends.
2. Technology Filtering and Prioritisation
Following identification, the shortlisted technologies are assessed against predefined criteria, including clinical relevance, level of innovation, potential impact on population health, expected impact on healthcare budgets and system performance, as well as ethical and social implications.
To select the most promising technology areas, a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework is applied, ensuring a structured, transparent and reproducible prioritisation process.
To select the most promising technology areas, a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework is applied, ensuring a structured, transparent and reproducible prioritisation process.
3. Impact Assessment
At this stage, the potential impact of technologies on clinical outcomes, healthcare economics and the organisation of care delivery is analysed.
This includes forecasting technology uptake and diffusion, assessing implications for infrastructure and workforce capacity, and identifying potential regulatory and implementation risks.
This includes forecasting technology uptake and diffusion, assessing implications for infrastructure and workforce capacity, and identifying potential regulatory and implementation risks.
4. Dissemination of Results
Horizon scanning outputs are presented in the form of analytical reports, reviews, databases, interactive dashboards and information briefs.
The information is disseminated among regulators, research institutions, healthcare organisations, manufacturers and investors.
The information is disseminated among regulators, research institutions, healthcare organisations, manufacturers and investors.
5. Monitoring and Updating
Horizon scanning is a continuous process. Regular data updates ensure timely incorporation of new trends, refinement of forecasts and adjustment of priorities in response to changes in the scientific and technological landscape.
Time Horizons of Horizon Scanning
(short-term; up to 3 years)
Technologies at the final stages of development or regulatory approval that are close to market entry and ready for implementation in clinical practice.
Technologies at the final stages of development or regulatory approval that are close to market entry and ready for implementation in clinical practice.
(medium-term; 3−5 years)
Technologies in clinical development or at the stage of preparation of regulatory submission dossiers.
Technologies in clinical development or at the stage of preparation of regulatory submission dossiers.
(long-term; 5−10 years)
New scientific directions and conceptual approaches at early stages of research, with the potential to lead to disruptive technological breakthroughs.
New scientific directions and conceptual approaches at early stages of research, with the potential to lead to disruptive technological breakthroughs.
Imminent Horizon
Transitional Horizon
Emerging Horizon
Depending on the level of technological maturity and the anticipated timeframe for implementation, three time horizons are distinguished:
Horizon Scanning and Strategic Foresight
- develop scenarios for the future evolution of healthcare systems;
- define strategic priorities and directions for investment;
- assess risks and systemic implications associated with the introduction of innovations;
- formulate evidence-informed recommendations for public authorities, regulators and development institutions.
In this way, horizon scanning provides the analytical and evidence base for foresight, while foresight translates these insights into strategic decisions and implementation programmes.
Used together, these instruments enable healthcare systems to build systemic readiness for future technological change, strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity, and support the development of national scientific and industrial capabilities.
Used together, these instruments enable healthcare systems to build systemic readiness for future technological change, strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity, and support the development of national scientific and industrial capabilities.
Horizon scanning results are used to:
Foresight represents a logical extension of the horizon scanning process. It builds on horizon scanning outputs to support scenario analysis and modelling of future developments, grounded in systematically collected and analysed evidence.
Resources
This section presents the analytical and scientific materials of the Center, reflecting its position on key areas of healthcare development, assessment of medical technologies and regulation of their circulation.
Publications include analytical notes, scientific articles and review materials prepared as part of ongoing scientific and expert research.
The materials are based on the analysis of data, international experience and modern methodological approaches and are focused on supporting sound management and regulatory decisions.
Publications include analytical notes, scientific articles and review materials prepared as part of ongoing scientific and expert research.
The materials are based on the analysis of data, international experience and modern methodological approaches and are focused on supporting sound management and regulatory decisions.
Technological Trends
Gene Therapy
CAR-T and TCR-T Therapies
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Biomarkers
Molecular and Genetic Testing
Immunotherapy
mRNA Technologies
Big Data
Value-based healthcare
Population health
Announcement of the 2026 conference
The "Horizon Scanning in Healthcare" conference focuses on the future of the Russian healthcare system and the development of technological leadership.
The conference brings together representatives of health authorities, the scientific and academic community, the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries, digital health companies, financial institutions and patient organisations to discuss which scientific and technological solutions, organisational models and workforce strategies will shape healthcare over the next 5−10 years.
The conference brings together representatives of health authorities, the scientific and academic community, the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries, digital health companies, financial institutions and patient organisations to discuss which scientific and technological solutions, organisational models and workforce strategies will shape healthcare over the next 5−10 years.
The conference is held annually and serves as a practical working instrument of the Centre. Based on the discussions, formal resolutions and analytical outputs are produced, forming the foundation for structured dialogue with relevant ministries, development institutions, universities and industry stakeholders. Particular emphasis is placed on translating horizon scanning insights into practical action — from identifying priority research directions to designing pathways for bringing therapeutically valuable innovations to patients and creating effective incentives for developers.
Annual Conference
"Horizon Scanning in Healthcare"
"Horizon Scanning in Healthcare"
An annual expert platform organised by the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre of Sechenov University, bringing together policymakers, regulators, researchers, clinicians and industry representatives to discuss emerging technologies, strategic priorities and future developments in healthcare systems.
Internships and work at the Horizon Scanning Center in Healthcare
The Expert Analytical Center for Horizon Scanning in Healthcare invites you to internships and permanent jobs. Participation in the Center's projects provides an opportunity to get acquainted with modern methods of analysis used in evidence-based medicine, healthcare organization and economics, as well as to get an immersion in practical cases and real tasks of expert analytical activity.
We consider candidates with scientific and research experience in the field of mathematical modeling, epidemiology, organization and economics of healthcare for permanent employment.
If you have any questions about internships and employment, please contact us by e-mail:
