ISO 56001 Innovation Management System

March 14, 2025•5 minute read

ISO 56001:2024 Innovation management system — Requirements provides requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an innovation management system. The standard aims to enhance an organization’s ability to innovate consistently and successfully.

The ability to innovate is crucial for the survival and growth of organizations. ISO 56001 equips organizations with the framework to manage innovation systematically, reducing uncertainty and increasing the likelihood of achieving significant benefits from new products, services, processes, and models. Organizations are able to improve their performance, resilience, and competitiveness in the market by fostering a culture that supports innovation.

The standard applies to all types of organizations regardless of type, size, or the products and services they provide, offering a systematic approach to fostering and managing innovation.

What are the benefits?

The benefits from implementing an innovation management system include:

raising innovation performance and capacity for managing uncertainty;

increasing a culture of continuous improvement and sustained innovation capability;

improving reputation, attracting more customers, partners, and investors;

enhancing collaboration and increases the potential to attract funding.

What does it cover?

Introduction

1 Scope

2 Normative references

3 Terms and definitions

4 Context of the organization

4.1 Understanding the organization and its context

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties

4.3 Determining the scope of the innovation management system

4.4 Innovation management system

5 Leadership

5.1 Leadership and commitment

5.2 Innovation policy

5.3 Innovation strategy

5.4 Innovation culture

5.5 Roles, responsibilities and authorities

6 Planning

6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities

6.2 Innovation objectives and planning to achieve them

6.3 Planning of changes

6.4 Innovation portfolio

6.5 Organizational structures

6.6 Collaboration

7 Support

7.1 Resources

7.2 Competence

7.3 Awareness

7.4 Communication

7.5 Documented information

8 Operation

8.1 Operational planning and control

8.2 Innovation initiatives

8.3 Innovation processes

9 Performance evaluation

9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation

9.2 Internal audit

9.3 Management review

10 Improvement

10.1 Continual improvement

10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action

Annex A Other standards on innovation management developed by ISO/TC 279

Bibliography

Table of Contents for ISO 56001:2024

What are the steps in implementing ISO 56001?

1. Establish the Context of the Organization

Understand the Organization and its Context
Identify internal and external factors that affect the ability to achieve innovation goals (e.g., market trends, technology shifts, competitive landscape).
Understand the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties
Engage with stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, regulators) to identify their expectations and how they might influence innovation activities.
Determine the Scope of the Innovation Management System
Define the boundaries and applicability of the IMS based on the organization’s objectives and operational context.
Establish the Innovation Management System
Develop a framework for managing innovation activities, including defining processes, roles, and resources.

2. Demonstrate Leadership and Commitment

Leadership and Commitment
Top management should demonstrate active commitment to innovation, including providing strategic direction and resources.
Create an Innovation Strategy
Develop a clear strategy aligned with business objectives, including goals, priorities, and risk management approaches.
Develop an Innovation Policy
Establish a policy that defines the organization’s commitment to fostering and managing innovation.
Foster an Innovation Culture
Promote a culture that encourages creativity, experimentation, and the acceptance of failure as part of learning.
Assign Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities
Define clear roles and empower individuals to take ownership of innovation-related tasks.

3. Plan for Innovation

Address Threats and Opportunities
Identify and mitigate risks while maximizing opportunities related to innovation.
Set Innovation Objectives and Plan to Achieve Them
Establish measurable objectives that support the overall business strategy and innovation goals.
Plan for Changes
Define how changes to the IMS (e.g., strategy, processes) will be managed.
Develop an Innovation Portfolio
Establish a balanced mix of innovation initiatives, considering both short- and long-term goals.
Design Organizational Structures to Support Innovation
Create structures (e.g., innovation teams, R&D units) to support innovation.
Promote Collaboration
Encourage cross-functional and external collaboration to drive creative solutions.

4. Provide Support for Innovation

Allocate Resources
Ensure the availability of financial, technological, and human resources to support innovation activities.
Develop Competence
Provide training and development programs to build innovation capabilities.
Raise Awareness
Communicate the importance of innovation and how employees can contribute to it.
Establish Effective Communication
Develop internal and external communication channels to share innovation-related information.
Manage Documented Information
Document innovation policies, processes, and outcomes to ensure consistency and accountability.

5. Operate the IMS

Plan and Control Innovation Activities
Develop structured processes for identifying, evaluating, and implementing innovation initiatives.
Execute Innovation Initiatives
Launch and manage innovation projects, ensuring alignment with strategy and goals.
Develop Innovation Processes
Create repeatable processes for idea generation, evaluation, and commercialization.

6. Monitor and Evaluate Performance

Measure and Analyze Performance
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of innovation efforts.
Conduct Internal Audits
Periodically audit the IMS to evaluate conformity and effectiveness.
Perform Management Reviews
Senior management should review IMS performance and take corrective actions where necessary.

7. Drive Continual Improvement

Pursue Continual Improvement
Identify opportunities for enhancing the IMS and improving innovation outcomes.
Address Nonconformities and Take Corrective Action
Resolve issues promptly and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

A few, final words…

By following these steps, an organization can establish a robust IMS that aligns with ISO 56001 requirements. This structured approach ensures that innovation is not only encouraged but systematically managed and integrated into the organization’s operations, driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage.