The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to understand the capability of horizon scanning, or technology watch software platforms and any associated advanced analytics available from the market, particularly automated solutions.

Dstl is looking for a software platform to enhance and multiply the efforts of our analysts looking for emerging Science and Technology (S&T) with implications for Defence and Security.

Analysts need a software platform to speed up and improve finding relevant content (research, investment/funding, patents etc.), understanding how the content is interconnected, filtering/prioritising results, visualising and analysing the S&T landscape and how it's changing (including the key actors driving the change), and collaborating with others to create a shared view of a scientific or technology development.

Analysts need support in interpreting and judging all of the above to assist them determine which of these signals have most implications for Defence.

Our capability to find relevant content and assess it needs to scale up whilst the number of analysts remains the same.

Semi-automated or fully-automated searching for relevant content and advanced analytics to help understand the evolving science and technology landscape and how/when it could affect Defence and Security are of particular interest.

Platforms not covering all of these areas will not be excluded, and platforms designed for other applications that can be adapted to all or part of the need will be considered.

The output of this RFI will be used to help Dstl develop its procurement strategy and requirements.

Dstl is interested in companies of all sizes from Micro through to Large Enterprises to offer their ideas or products that may fulfil all or part of this need.