ISO 56001: a new framework for managing and sustaining innovation
The ISO 56001 standard, which became official on 19 November 2024, provides a new framework for structuring, improving and sustaining innovation within companies. With the same structure and objectives as ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, this new standard aims to provide a system for continuous and sustainable innovation.
What is ISO 56001?
ISO 56001 is a management system standard that follows on from ISO 9001 (quality), 14001 (environment) and 45001 (health and safety at work). However, the subject is the Innovation Management System or IMS. ISO 56001 provides a framework for structuring, improving and sustaining innovation. It does not “standardise” innovation but standardises practices that promote continuous and sustainable innovation. ALTEN played an active role in developing this standard with AFNOR in France and with ISO internationally.
Why is ISO 56001 crucial for businesses?
Innovation is as crucial today as quality was decades ago. If a company does not adapt or innovate, it risks being left behind. The aim of ISO 56001 is to provide a systematic and systemic framework for all employees to adopt innovation reflexes. This standard is important for businesses because it enables innovation to be structured in an effective and reproducible way, thereby ensuring that innovations have greater value.
“By adopting this standard, companies will be able to increase their competitiveness on the market by accelerating their innovation capabilities and improving the allocation of their resources,” explains Margot Raynal, Valorisation Manager at ALTEN.
“As was the case for quality standards, ISO 56001 should gradually become the norm in companies. This adoption could accelerate over a period of 10 years,” explains Sébastien Perthuisot, Director of ALTEN’s Quality & Supply Chain Research Programme.
How do you implement ISO 56001?
To implement this standard, companies can follow a structured path:
- Pre-audit: assessment of the current state of innovation practices.
- Training and awareness-raising: training employees in the principles and requirements of ISO 56001.
- Development of an Innovation Management System (IMS): implementation of a structured IMS that incorporates the best practices described in the standard.
- Documentation and processes: documentation of innovation processes and verification of compliance with ISO 56001 requirements.
- Internal Audit: carrying out regular internal audits to assess compliance of the IMS with the ISO 56001 standard. Identification of areas for improvement and implementation of corrective actions.
- Certification: by an accredited certification body to obtain ISO 56001 certification. This certification attests to your commitment to innovation and strengthens your credibility with your customers and partners.
ALTEN supports the ISO 56001 implementation and certification
As an active member of the standards committee, ALTEN has in-depth expertise in implementing the ISO 56001 standard. Thanks to its expertise in Research & Innovation, and a forthcoming certification, ALTEN can support companies at every stage of the certification process with an offer that can be used immediately.