Trends are like living organisms - they emerge, develop and spread. Some remain niche phenomena, others change the world. In order to survive as an organization in the healthcare industry in the future, it is crucial to keep an eye on the development of trends. But how exactly does a trend develop? What mechanisms ensure that a fleeting impulse becomes a fundamental change and what happens then?

In the healthcare sector in particular, trends are not just a fad - they influence how we live, age and are cared for. Telemedicine, personalized therapies and digital health records: Today they are a reality, but once they were just weak signals in a sea of possibilities.

The first signals - where do trends emerge?

Trends often emerge from so-called "weak signals" - faint indications of coming changes that are often overlooked at the beginning. These early signals can come from various areas such as science, technology, society, business, art or subcultures. They offer a valuable indication of which developments could become relevant in the future. Telemedicine is an example of an established trend that emerged from a weak signal. Initially seen as a niche offering, this technology has established itself as an integral part of the healthcare system due to social, economic and technical developments.

Weak signals can develop into hypes, trends and megatrends. The difference lies in the duration and significance: hypes are short-lived. Trends have medium-term relevance. They can have a lasting impact on society or the economy. If they become megatrends, they are accompanied by even more long-term and far-reaching changes.

Recognizing these weak signals requires a trained eye that is able to identify these subtle signs.

In this context, the trend card sets from Bayern Innovativ can be helpful. The sets contain not only current trends, but also those that are still at an early stage. Through this analysis, companies can develop a better understanding of possible changes and are thus better positioned to react to new developments at an early stage.

Reinforcement - How does a trend gain acceptance?

A trend becomes established when it is supported by various players and channels. Trend agencies, scientists, thought leaders and (social) media play a central role in this. They help to spread a trend topic by bringing it into the public discourse and presenting it as relevant or forward-looking. Some trends fail in the early stages due to a lack of acceptance or practical challenges, while others are fueled by strong demand, technological advances or societal changes. Another important factor is a trend's ability to effectively address needs or problems, which gives it long-term relevance.

As many factors play a role, the question of which trends will really take off is often difficult to answer in advance.

Maturity - when does a trend become mainstream?

A trend becomes mainstream when it is accepted and adopted by a broad mass of people - in other words, when it transitions from a niche topic to a more general adaptation. This transition is influenced by several factors: regulations, investments, technological maturity and social acceptance play a decisive role.

Regulations can accelerate the transition, as is the case with e-prescriptions, for example, which are increasingly becoming mandatory as a result of digitalization and legal requirements. Investments in corresponding technologies or infrastructure promote the spread and enable wider use. Technological maturity also plays an important role, as a trend only becomes suitable for mass use when the corresponding solutions are reliable and scalable. Finally, social acceptance is also crucial: if a trend is perceived as necessary or beneficial, the willingness to adopt it increases. Together, these factors mean that a trend is not only used by a small group, but is accepted by a broad public and becomes an established part of society.