projectionsplan

Projectionsplan is a planning document used to outline projected futures for key variables over a defined time period. It describes the expected trajectory of factors such as revenue and costs, population or demand, capacity, or other strategic indicators, and it specifies the methods and data used to generate those projections. The term is often found in Nordic and European planning contexts, but similar concepts appear in public budgeting, corporate strategy, and project management elsewhere.

The primary purpose of a projectionsplan is to provide a transparent forecast framework that supports decision making. It communicates the assumptions behind projections, the data sources and forecasting methods employed, and the resulting scenarios or trajectories. By linking forecasts to goals and budgets, the document helps align planning activities with expected resource needs and policy objectives, while also providing a basis for monitoring and adjustments over time.

Typical components include the scope and time horizon, underlying assumptions (economic, demographic, policy-related), data sources and methods (statistical models, trend analysis, scenario planning), projected values for selected indicators, and defined monitoring metrics or triggers for revision. Governance and review cycles, as well as documentation of uncertainties and limitations, are commonly included to maintain accountability.

Applications span public sector budgeting, urban and regional planning, corporate financial planning, and program evaluation. While projectionsplans aim to guide future actions, they are inherently subject to uncertainty and are most useful when updated regularly as new information becomes available. See also forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning.