PESTLEPEST

PESTLEPEST is a term used in strategic analysis to denote an expanded form of the traditional PESTLE framework. It treats the standard six external factors—political, economic, sociocultural, technological, legal, and environmental—twice, typically across two horizons or contexts, creating a two-layer map of external influences.

In practice, PESTLEPEST is implemented by conducting a primary layer of PESTLE analysis for a chosen scope (for example, the current operating environment) and then repeating the exercise for a second scope (such as a future timeframe or a different market). The results are linked to identify compounded risks, delayed effects, or cross-factor interactions.

The approach is commonly used in scenario planning, risk assessment, and policy analysis, particularly by consultants and strategic teams seeking to stress test plans under dual conditions.

A typical application might compare two regions or two time horizons, examining how political decisions and regulatory changes interact with economic and technological trends in each context.

Critics argue that duplicating the analysis adds complexity and can lead to redundancy without a standardized methodology. Effective use of PESTLEPEST depends on clear scoping, disciplined synthesis, and explicit linkage between layers.