Introducing ISO 56001: The new standard in innovation management

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, innovation is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Organizations that fail to innovate risk falling behind as their competitors adapt, evolve, and thrive. Yet, while many companies recognize the importance of innovation, they often struggle with how to manage it effectively.

Enter ISO 56001, the recently announced (Sept. 2024) international standard for innovation management. This standard promises to provide organizations with a structured framework for embedding innovation into their core operations and achieving sustainable growth.

ISO 56001 is part of the ISO 56000 series, which focuses on innovation management. It is an extension of ISO 56002, the guideline for innovation management systems, and is being developed as a certifiable standard. This means that organizations will be able to demonstrate their adherence to globally recognized best practices in innovation management by obtaining certification.

The aim of ISO 56001 is to provide a comprehensive framework that supports organizations in establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving their innovation management systems. It addresses everything from leadership and strategy to culture, tools, and processes—making it a powerful tool for organizations that want to take their innovation capabilities to the next level.

Innovation is often viewed as a creative and chaotic process, but to achieve consistent results, it must be managed systematically. This is where ISO 56001 shines. By offering a structured approach, it enables organizations to:

1. Align innovation with business strategy ISO 56001 ensures that innovation efforts are aligned with organizational goals and objectives. This alignment minimizes wasted effort and maximizes the impact of innovation on the bottom line.
2. Enhance competitive advantage In a crowded marketplace, differentiation is key. By adopting ISO 56001, organizations can institutionalize innovation processes that deliver unique products, services, or business models, setting them apart from competitors.
3. Mitigate risks Innovation always involves a degree of risk, but ISO 56001 helps organizations identify, assess, and manage those risks effectively. This reduces the likelihood of failed initiatives and increases the chances of success.
4. Foster a culture of innovation A culture that embraces innovation is critical for long-term success. ISO 56001 provides guidelines for creating an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas and experiment without fear of failure.
5. Improve operational efficiency The standard emphasizes continuous improvement and the optimization of innovation processes, leading to greater efficiency and resource utilization.

The key difference between ISO 56001 and ISO 56002 lies in their purpose and applicability:

• ISO 56001: A certifiable standard for innovation management systems. Organizations can use it to obtain certification, demonstrating their compliance with globally recognized best practices for managing innovation systematically.
• ISO 56002: A guideline providing recommendations for setting up and improving innovation management systems. It is non-certifiable and serves as a flexible framework for organizations looking to enhance their innovation capabilities without the need for formal certification.

In short, ISO 56001 is for certification, while ISO 56002 is for guidance.

ISO 56001 is built on several core principles that guide organizations in implementing a robust innovation management system. These include:

• Leadership and commitment: Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving innovation. The standard outlines how top management can establish a vision, provide resources, and create an innovation-friendly culture.
• Strategic focus: Organizations must define their innovation objectives and ensure they are integrated into their broader strategy. ISO 56001 helps to create clear links between innovation activities and strategic goals.
• Process approach: The standard emphasizes a process-driven approach to innovation, from idea generation and development to implementation and scaling.
• Stakeholder involvement: Successful innovation requires input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. ISO 56001 highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
• Measurement and improvement: Innovation performance must be measured and analyzed to identify areas for improvement. The standard provides guidelines for setting KPIs and conducting regular reviews.

While ISO 56001 offers significant benefits, implementing it can be challenging. Common obstacles include:

• Resistance to change: Employees and management may resist new processes or perceive innovation management as an added burden.
• Resource constraints: Establishing an innovation management system requires time, money, and expertise, which may be limited in some organizations.
• Lack of expertise: Not all organizations have the internal knowledge or skills to implement ISO 56001 effectively.
• Short-Term focus: Companies often prioritize immediate results over long-term innovation, which can hinder the implementation of a systematic approach.

If your organization is considering adopting ISO 56001, here are some steps to get started:

1. Assess your current state Begin by evaluating your existing innovation processes, culture, and outcomes. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps that need to be addressed. RevelX has developed an Innovation assessment tool here.
2. Engage leadership Secure commitment from top management to champion the innovation management initiative. Leadership support is critical for driving change.
3. Build a cross-functional team Assemble a team with representatives from various departments to design and implement the innovation management system.
4. Develop an Innovation Strategy Define or redefine your innovation objectives and align them with your organizational strategy. This will serve as the foundation for your innovation management system.
5. Leverage external expertise Partner with experienced consultants, like RevelX consultants, who specialize in innovation management. They can provide valuable insights, tools, and best practices to accelerate your journey.
6. Implement and monitor Roll out the innovation management system (in this context does not refer to software tooling) in phases, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed. Continuously measure performance against KPIs to ensure success.

At RevelX, we are experts in innovation management and can help your organization navigate the complexities of implementing ISO 56001. Unlike many agencies that focus solely on theory, we specialize in applied innovation management. Our hands-on approach ensures that innovation becomes a core business process in your organization, delivering real and sustainable results.

Whether you need help developing an innovation strategy, designing an innovation operating model, or embedding a culture of innovation, our team has the expertise to support you every step of the way.

Are you ready to elevate your innovation capabilities and prepare for ISO 56001? Discover how RevelX can help you achieve sustainable growth through effective innovation management. Contact Us at: rob.nouwens@revelx.nl or make an introduction appointment directly here.