To run this task you must have the following required information:

> Industry or topic, time horizon (typically 3 years)

If you don't have all of this information, exit here and respond asking for any extra information you require, and instructions to run this task again with ALL required information.

---

You MUST use a todo list to complete these steps in order. Never move on to one step if you haven't completed the previous step. If you have multiple CONSECUTIVE read steps in a row, read them all at once (in parallel). Otherwise, do not read a file until you reach that step.

Add all steps to your todo list now and begin executing.

## Steps

1. [Read Executive Research Guide]: Read the documentation in: `skills/sauna/[skill_id]/references/executive.research.guide.md` (Get the industry trends assessment output format)

2. Gather context from the user:
- What industry or topic area?
- What time horizon? (Default: 3 years)
- Any specific trend areas of concern? (technology, regulation, competition, talent)
- What strategic decisions will this inform?

Check `documents/work/overview.md` for existing context.


3. Use `skills/sauna/[skill_id]/references/skill/research.exa.lookup` to research industry trends:

Search queries to run:
1. "[industry] emerging trends 2025 2026 2027"
2. "[industry] future predictions expert analysis"
3. "[industry] technology disruption innovation"
4. "[industry] regulatory changes impact"
5. "[industry] talent skills shortage trends"

Look for: Industry analyst reports, expert commentary, trend research, technology forecasts.


4. Synthesize findings into the Industry Trends Assessment format:

1. 3-5 emerging trends with evidence and expert perspectives
2. Impact matrix (likelihood, impact, timeframe)
3. Strategic implications for strategy, talent, and investment
4. Companies to watch

Include expert quotes and specific citations.
Distinguish between established trends and emerging signals.


5. Provide actionable implications:
- Which trends require immediate action?
- Which should be monitored?
- How should these inform strategic planning?
- What capabilities or positions to build now?


6. Save findings to `documents/knowledge/research/topics/*.md` as {industry}-trends-{date}.md.
Include: industry, time horizon, key trends summary, implications, and date.
This creates a baseline for tracking how trends evolve over time.