The phrase "potential catalyst" refers to something or someone that has the ability to cause or stimulate a change or reaction in a situation or event. Full definition
This report targets school - level union - management partnerships as potential catalysts for professional collaboration in public schools. (americanprogress.org)
More importantly, the company has a number of potential catalysts in place. (wexboy.wordpress.com)
And there is no shortage of potential catalysts to move this rally in precious metals, both gold and silver, beyond the skepticism phase: military intervention on North Korea, government shutdown as the debt ceiling is reached in September, further implications of Trump's collusion with Russia, and the beginning of balance sheet reduction later this year by the Fed, to name just a few. (hardassetsalliance.com)