Research for institutions navigating compound transition.
Horizon Search Institute studies how technological, human, planetary, and geopolitical change interact, and develops research, tools, and applied approaches to help institutions respond.
Research moving into practice
AI Governance in Regulated Industries moved from published research into practitioner discussion at HSI’s inaugural New York Salon.
Read the Salon record →Read the research →
From research to decision support
HSI’s AI governance work also informs public decision-support tools designed to help institutions identify governance gaps and prepare for consequential decisions.
Open the assessment →
Purpose
HSI develops original research, public-interest tools, and applied research collaborations for people responsible for consequential institutional decisions. The Institute’s framework, Compound Transition, examines how interacting changes shape those choices.
We study emerging problems, test assumptions with practitioners, and translate findings into forms institutions can use, including governance frameworks, assessments, implementation guidance, pilots, and convenings.
Publication is not the end of the research cycle. Where appropriate, we study how ideas perform in practice and feed the resulting evidence back into subsequent research.
Work is organized across four research programs: Responsible AI, Human Performance, Planetary Futures, and Governance & Diplomacy. A project has one primary program and may draw on the others when systems interact.
From research to practice
HSI treats publication as the beginning of a research cycle, not the end. Findings may be translated into tools, frameworks, pilots, and practitioner conversations where the research warrants it. What happens in practice then informs subsequent inquiry.
This allows the Institute to study not only what institutions should do, but what can actually be implemented, where friction appears, and what outcomes follow.
How we assess impact
HSI evaluates impact according to the nature and maturity of each project. Measures may include research use and citation, tool adoption, practitioner participation, institutional changes, pilot outcomes, and contributions to standards, policy, procurement, or organizational decision-making.
Because the Institute was established in 2026, we distinguish clearly between demonstrated outcomes, work in progress, and intended impact.
Institutional model
HSI is the registered trade name of HSI Research Foundation, a Delaware nonprofit corporation incorporated on April 15, 2026 (EIN 42-1954110). The Foundation’s application for recognition under section 501(c)(3) is anticipated in 2026. Until a determination is received, tax-deductible contributions are received through Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, Inc. (EIN 85-0839183), a 501(c)(3) public charity.
The Board of Directors holds fiduciary and governance responsibility for the Institute. Executive Leadership directs research and operations; the Strategic Council is advisory and non-fiduciary. Current roles and biographies are listed on the People page.