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What is the Three Horizon Framework?

     David Tang    |    McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth


This article provides a detailed response to: What is the Three Horizon Framework? For a comprehensive understanding of McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth best practice resources.

TLDR The Three Horizon Framework aids Strategic Planning by balancing short-term operations with long-term growth through categorizing initiatives into three time-based horizons.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they relate to this question.

What does Three Horizon Framework mean?
What does Operational Excellence mean?
What does Strategic Foresight mean?
What does Cultural Innovation mean?


Understanding the Three Horizon Framework is crucial for C-level executives aiming to steer their organizations towards long-term success while managing present-day operations. This strategic planning tool, originally developed by McKinsey & Company, aids in balancing the allocation of resources between immediate needs and long-term growth initiatives. The framework divides an organization's goals and projects across three "horizons" based on their time frames and potential for growth, ensuring a comprehensive approach to innovation and sustainability. By categorizing initiatives into these horizons, leaders can better prioritize and manage their strategic efforts, fostering an environment that supports both current performance and future viability.

The first horizon focuses on core businesses that are currently generating the bulk of an organization's revenue. It's about optimizing and extending the current business model and operations to ensure ongoing competitiveness and profitability. This horizon demands attention to Operational Excellence, Risk Management, and Performance Management. For many organizations, this is the comfort zone, but neglecting the subsequent horizons can lead to stagnation or decline as market conditions change and new technologies emerge. Therefore, while Horizon 1 is crucial for today's success, it's equally important to invest resources in the next two horizons.

Horizon 2 is where things start to get interesting for future growth. This middle ground focuses on emerging opportunities that have the potential to become significant revenue streams in the near to medium term. These might include expanding into new markets, developing new product lines, or executing on Digital Transformation initiatives that will set the organization apart from competitors. Horizon 2 projects require a delicate balance—they need enough investment and executive support to grow, yet they must not detract from the core business's needs. This is often where strategic foresight and investment in innovation begin to pay off.

Implementing the Three Horizon Framework

For successful implementation, a clear understanding and communication of the framework across the organization are essential. Each horizon should have designated leaders and teams with the right mix of skills and resources to drive initiatives forward. Moreover, setting specific, measurable goals for each horizon ensures that progress can be tracked and managed effectively. This structured approach allows for flexibility and dynamic rebalancing of resources as projects evolve from one horizon to the next or as market conditions change.

Another critical aspect is fostering a culture that supports innovation and risk-taking, especially for Horizon 2 and 3 initiatives. Organizations must be willing to experiment and learn from failures without penalizing creativity. This cultural shift can be challenging but is necessary for long-term growth and adaptation. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration and leveraging insights from diverse teams can also enhance the effectiveness of the framework.

Regular review sessions to assess the progress and viability of projects within each horizon are also vital. These sessions provide opportunities to pivot or reallocate resources as needed, ensuring that the organization remains agile and responsive to both internal and external changes. This iterative process is a cornerstone of strategic planning and performance management within the framework.

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Real-World Examples and Outcomes

Several leading organizations have successfully applied the Three Horizon Framework to navigate complex business environments and achieve sustainable growth. For instance, Amazon has continuously invested in Horizon 3 innovations while scaling its core e-commerce platform (Horizon 1) and building out its cloud computing services (Horizon 2). This strategic approach has allowed Amazon to maintain its market leadership and explore new growth avenues simultaneously.

Similarly, Apple's focus on Horizon 1 activities, such as optimizing its iPhone and Mac lines, is complemented by Horizon 2 strategies like the expansion into wearables and services. Meanwhile, its investments in emerging technologies such as augmented reality and autonomous vehicles represent Horizon 3 initiatives aimed at future-proofing the organization.

In conclusion, the Three Horizon Framework is a powerful tool for strategic planning, providing a template for balancing immediate operational needs with long-term growth initiatives. By categorizing projects into three horizons, organizations can ensure a focused yet flexible approach to strategy development and execution. This framework not only helps in resource allocation but also encourages a culture of innovation, critical for staying competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. With careful implementation and regular review, the Three Horizon Framework can guide organizations toward sustainable success, making it an essential component of strategic management for forward-thinking leaders.

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McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth Case Studies

For a practical understanding of McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth, take a look at these case studies.

Growth Strategy Redesign for Professional Services in Competitive Market

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the professional services industry, facing stagnation in its core offerings while grappling with the challenge of allocating resources effectively across the McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth framework.

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Luxury Brand Diversification Strategy Development

Scenario: The organization is a well-established luxury fashion house looking to innovate and expand its portfolio.

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Strategic Growth Framework for Space Technology Firm in Competitive Market

Scenario: A firm specializing in space technology is struggling to balance its current operations with innovation and new market expansion, in line with the McKinsey 3 Horizons Model.

Read Full Case Study

E-Commerce Growth Strategy for D2C Luxury Apparel Brand

Scenario: A firm in the direct-to-consumer luxury apparel space is grappling with the challenge of balancing short-term profitability with long-term growth and innovation.

Read Full Case Study

Maritime Industry Digital Transformation Initiative

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the maritime industry and is grappling with the challenge of integrating digital technologies to stay competitive.

Read Full Case Study

Defense Sector Growth Strategy for Global Aerospace Firm

Scenario: The organization is a leading aerospace defense contractor facing stagnation in its core markets while seeking to innovate and capture new opportunities.

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Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

How can the McKinsey Three Horizons Model guide companies in integrating digital transformation across all aspects of business?
The McKinsey Three Horizons Model guides digital transformation by optimizing current operations, investing in emerging opportunities, and innovating for the future, ensuring a balanced approach for sustained growth. [Read full explanation]
What role do cross-functional teams play in the successful implementation of the McKinsey 3 Horizons Model?
Cross-functional teams ensure Strategic Alignment, optimal Resource Allocation, Risk Management, foster Innovation and Collaboration, and drive Change and Cultural Shifts, crucial for implementing the McKinsey 3 Horizons Model. [Read full explanation]
How can the McKinsey 3 Horizons Model be applied to enhance corporate social responsibility initiatives?
The McKinsey 3 Horizons Model guides organizations in integrating CSR into immediate operations, developing future capabilities for social and environmental challenges, and creating transformative business models for long-term sustainability and societal impact. [Read full explanation]
How does the McKinsey 3 Horizons Model assist in the integration of mergers and acquisitions into long-term strategic planning?
The McKinsey 3 Horizons Model aids in integrating M&A into Strategic Planning by categorizing acquisitions based on growth contribution and ensuring sustainable, long-term growth through balanced investment across all horizons. [Read full explanation]
What role does sustainability play in shaping the initiatives of the Three Horizons, especially in Horizon Three?
Explore how Sustainability in Strategic Planning and Innovation shapes Horizon Three's future growth opportunities, ensuring long-term viability and competitive advantage. [Read full explanation]
How does the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies impact the strategic planning within the Three Horizons Model?
The integration of AI and ML technologies into the Three Horizons Model revolutionizes Strategic Planning by optimizing core operations, swiftly capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and pioneering disruptive innovations for future success. [Read full explanation]

 
David Tang, New York

Strategy & Operations, Digital Transformation, Management Consulting

This Q&A article was reviewed by David Tang. David is the CEO and Founder of Flevy. Prior to Flevy, David worked as a management consultant for 8 years, where he served clients in North America, EMEA, and APAC. He graduated from Cornell with a BS in Electrical Engineering and MEng in Management.

It is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You're free to share and adapt with attribution. To cite this article, please use:

Source: "What is the Three Horizon Framework?," Flevy Management Insights, David Tang, 2025




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