Hotspots Analysis methodological framework and guidance

The information-age has led to a proliferation of content, ranging from the assimilation and analytical challenges associated with ‘big data’ through to ever-increasing publication lists of research and innovation findings. The major challenge for businesses, policy-makers, academic researchers and consumers is deciding where and how to act to have the maximum impact. For any action a balance must be struck between speed of response and pragmatism and the need to be informed by reliable and trustworthy science-based evidence.

A growing number of different analytical disciplines are using a prioritisation method called ‘hotspotting’ or ‘hotspots analysis’. It is being used to filter and distil often-large volumes of information to identify and prioritise hotspots for further investigation or action by industry, governments and other stakeholders. This may include piloting or implementing actions on the basis of the findings from the hotspots analysis.

This Methodological Framework aims to support those wishing to commission, conduct or use hotspots analysis studies, including stakeholders of the 10YFP in their efforts to prioritize their actions to accelerate a shift towards Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP); the audience for the use of this framework includes practitioners and technical experts, stakeholders, developers and participants of hotspots analysis methodology development.

This document has been published by the UN Environment, Economy Division with the support of WRAP.