Innovation is one of the core pillars of competitiveness and long-term sustainability for organizations in today’s global market. To support companies in implementing a structured innovation system, the ISO 56000 series provides international standards focused on Innovation Management.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about ISO 56000 — its principles, benefits, structure, and how to implement it in your organization.
What Is ISO 56000?
ISO 56000 is a family of international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its goal is to provide guidance and best practices for innovation management across all types and sizes of organizations.
It goes beyond product innovation — encompassing processes, business models, services, and systems — helping companies build effective Innovation Management Systems (IMS).
Want to learn more? Watch Alan Zettelmann’s keynote at the International Innovation Forum:
History of ISO 56000
The 56000 series originated from a global demand for a structured model to support innovation. It evolved from the former ISO 50501, refined into what is now ISO 56000, with contributions from global experts in innovation.
Core Principles of ISO 56000
ISO 56000 is built on seven key principles that drive sustainable innovation within organizations:
- Real Value: Innovation must deliver value to both the organization and its stakeholders.
- Innovation-Focused Leadership: Commitment from senior management is essential.
- Strategic Alignment: Innovation should be tied to the company’s strategic goals.
- Innovation Culture: Foster an environment that supports creativity and experimentation.
- Systemic Approach: Innovation should be managed as a system.
- Uncertainty Management: Address risk as part of the innovation process.
- Collaboration and Openness: Innovation thrives through cooperation and knowledge sharing.
ISO 56000 Family Structure
The ISO 56000 series includes multiple complementary standards, each targeting a specific innovation component:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 56000:2020 | Terms, concepts, and definitions related to innovation management. |
| ISO 56002:2019 | Guidelines for implementing an Innovation Management System (IMS). |
| ISO 56003:2019 | Tools and methods for collaborative innovation. |
| ISO 56004:2019 | Guidelines for innovation management assessment. |
| ISO 56005:2020 | Strategic IP management in support of innovation. |
| ISO 56006 | (In development) Strategic intelligence for innovation. |
| ISO 56007 | (In development) Management of ideas and innovation concepts. |
Key Benefits of ISO 56000 for Your Business
Implementing ISO 56000 provides a wide range of strategic advantages:
- Increased competitiveness in global markets
- More efficient processes and innovative workflows
- Better risk and uncertainty management
- Higher employee engagement and participation
- Greater ease in attracting innovation investment
- A strong culture that fosters creativity and collaboration
How to Implement ISO 56000 in Your Company
Here’s a step-by-step framework to help structure an Innovation Management System:
1. Initial Diagnosis
- Evaluate your organization’s current level of innovation
- Identify strengths and improvement opportunities
2. Leadership Commitment
- Secure executive support
- Build an internal team to lead the implementation
3. Define the Innovation Strategy
- Align innovation goals with the company’s mission
- Define priority areas for innovation
4. Build the Innovation Management System
- Define processes for idea generation and project tracking
- Establish KPIs and performance indicators
5. Foster Innovation Culture and Capacity Building
- Conduct workshops and training
- Encourage employee involvement
6. Monitor and Continuously Improve
- Track innovation performance
- Adjust based on results and lessons learned
Common Challenges in Adopting ISO 56000
Despite its advantages, implementation may present some obstacles:
- Internal resistance to change
- Limited financial or technological resources
- Difficulty in shifting to an innovation-driven culture
- Managing risks associated with innovation projects
The key to overcoming these challenges?
Strong leadership, ongoing training, and agile methodologies.
Alan Zettelmann: Your Expert Partner for ISO 56000
If you want to implement ISO 56000 and enhance your innovation capabilities, working with an experienced expert can make all the difference. Alan Zettelmann is a global innovation consultant with a proven track record in applying ISO standards.
Expertise and Credentials
Alan holds an Executive Master in Business Innovation and an Executive MBA from Deusto Business School. He is certified by top institutions including INSEAD Executive Education (2020) and Leanstack (2019), and is a certified ISO 56000 Innovation Consultant.
Global Experience and Proven Impact
With over 12 years of experience, Alan has worked with industry leaders in Austria, including ANDRITZ, AVL, and Pankl Racing Systems. His expertise spans Europe and Latin America, helping companies implement high-impact innovation systems.
Services Offered
- Strategic Consulting: Implementation and certification of ISO 56000
- Workshops and Training: Empower your team with innovation skills
- Innovation Audits: Assess and improve your innovation system
Interested in working with Alan Zettelmann?
Get in touch for a personalized consultation and take your organization’s innovation to the next level.
Conclusion
ISO 56000 offers a comprehensive foundation for companies that want to innovate with structure, purpose, and long-term impact. By aligning your systems with this standard, you unlock your organization’s innovation potential and create a culture that supports sustainable growth.
Whether your goal is to formalize innovation processes or boost performance, ISO 56000 can be the competitive advantage your company needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is ISO 56000 mandatory?
No, but it provides a significant competitive edge and structured guidance.
2. Does ISO 56000 replace other ISO standards?
No. It complements standards like ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environment).
3. Can any company adopt ISO 56000?
Yes, it’s suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries.
4. How long does it take to implement?
It depends on your company’s complexity — typically between a few months to a year.
5. Is ISO 56000 certifiable?
Currently, it’s not certifiable — it provides guidance, but internal audits are encouraged.
6. Does it address intellectual property?
Yes. ISO 56005 offers guidelines for managing strategic IP in innovation.
