From R&D project management to driving ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION: Key novelties brought by ISO 56001 compared to UNE 166002
As in any other field, the regulatory framework plays a key role in structuring innovation processes, foster an innovative culture, and generate value for the organization and its internal and external stakeholders. While it is true that innovation management belongs to the core of any innovation agent, as is the case with AZTERLAN, as a center specialized in the research and development of innovative solutions in the field of metallurgy, certifying our innovation activity against a standard allows us to assure our stakeholders that the way we develop our activity responds to an orderly structure that is consistent with the changing needs of the environment and a philosophy of continuous improvement to which management systems inherently respond.
For years, lacking an international regulatory framework aimed at standardizing research, development, and innovation activities, the Spanish standard UNE 166002 on R&D management requirements has set the benchmark for this activity. At the international level, guides for the implementation of innovation management systems existed (on which the latest version of the UNE 166002 standard was based), but they were not certifiable.
In September 2024 of the new ISO 56001 Innovation Management System Requirements (and its subsequent translation in November 2024 into UNE-EN ISO 56001) was published superseding UNE 166002:2021, offering an international framework and, thus, greater recognition for the certification of innovation management systems. This new standard belongs to the ISO 56000 family, meaning it is aligned with the high-level structure common to other ISO management systems.
As suggested by the name, referring to innovation rather than R&D, the philosophy of the new ISO 56001:2024 has a more strategic and broader focus. Thus, while UNE 166002:2021 focuses on the management of R&D projects, ISO 56001 adopts a organizational approach, considering innovation as a comprehensive process applicable to any type of organization.
How can you adapt your management system to comply with the new ISO 56001:2024 standard?
Any organization with a structured system to comply with UNE 166002:2021 will not be forced to make significant changes to its system to adapt to ISO 56001:2024, as the former is more detailed in terms of the requirements for innovation activities.
These are some of the main new features of the ISO 56001 standard:
- When documenting the understanding of the organization and its context, current and potential stakeholders must be identified, as well as their current and anticipated needs, expectations, and relevant requirements.
- It must also be determined whether climate change is a relevant factor for the organization and the areas of opportunity with potential to create value for the organization.
- Some of the responsibilities previously attributed to the Innovation Management Unit (a figure contemplated by previous norm) are now assigned to individuals with the responsibility and authority within the organization to ensure that the innovation management system complies with the standard, report to senior management on the performance of the innovation management system and opportunities for improvement, manage the elements of the management system, including organizational structures, collaboration, portfolios, innovation initiatives and processes, and decision-making at all levels.
- Innovation initiatives must be established, implemented, and maintained in innovation portfolios (one or more) that are aligned with the innovation strategy and objectives, include defined criteria for evaluating, improving, and prioritizing the portfolio and its initiatives, and that consider innovation.
- Ensure that indicators of innovation initiatives and innovation processes are available.
- The strategic monitoring and intelligence process disappears, although it is indicated that the organization must determine and provide the tools and methods necessary for the effective implementation of the innovation management system.
- Determine, provide, and monitor the financial resources necessary for the effective implementation of the innovation management system: financial risks and opportunities, establish funding criteria for innovation activities and portfolio, and allocate and protect financial resources.
In summary, it can be concluded that, from a management perspective, this new standard can provide a broader view of innovation management. It promotes systemic management of innovation at the organizational level, considering the creation and distribution of value as a fundamental objective. Therefore, it highlights the importance of corporate culture and strategic leadership regarding innovation, as well as the awareness of the organization’s staff regarding innovation as drivers of the innovation process and value generation.
