terminology watch: environmental scan

I'm going to be writing a bit soon about the process of keeping yourself up-to-date on technology trends.

I have seen lots of terminology in this area, so I'm wondering what the opinion is on the best term(s) for this, so that I can create a meaningful category/tag.

Currently in Furl I'm using "Technology Foresight".

Other possibilities are:
- environmental scan
- horizon scan (have only seen this used in the UK)
- technology watch
- trend watch

Which one is most meaningful to you?  I'm reluctant to use "environmental scan" or "horizon scan" because they are not self-explanatory; if you don't already know what they mean, you will just be guessing, and might even think they have something to do with environmentalism or sightseeing.

UPDATE 2005-05-11: I shall ask the Google Oracle

"technology foresight" = about 58,000
"environmental scan" = about 91,500
"horizon scan" = about 759
"technology watch" = about 54,000
"tech watch" = about 148,000

"trend watch" = about 54,800

Conclusion: based on what I see, "environmental scan" is widely used and understood, but it covers a much broader area than just technology.  Between "technology foresight" and "technology watch", it's still a toss-up.  "Foresight" seems to be a bit more common usage internationally.

Comments

[Christina Pikas]

I don't think all of your terms are synonyms. Personally (and as an American with a definite mid-Atlantic bias), I like environmental scan because I think it's more comprehensive. After all, it's important to be aware of new trends, advances, etc. in all areas that may touch your customers -- not just in their particular fields. "Environmental scan" speaks to the regulatory environment, business environment, political environment as well as technological advances. I'm not sure you necessarily have foresight -- just current sight!