In the ever-changing world of quality management, the intersection of innovation and standardization offers both exciting opportunities and tough challenges. Maria, a dedicated and certified quality professional, struggled with the concept of “standardizing innovation”—something that seemed like an oxymoron at first. How could you possibly standardize something as dynamic and creative as innovation?

Her journey began at the Innovate for Excellence Summit, hosted by the Chicago section of ASQ, where she attended sessions on innovative problem-solving using TRIZ (teoriya resheniya izobretatelskikh zadatch, Russian that translates to “theory of inventive problem solving”) and the newly released ISO 56001 standard for innovation management. As she delved into these discussions, Maria’s perspective shifted dramatically.

The dilemma of standardization

Like Maria, you might feel skeptical. Are we complicating things rather than simplifying? After all, innovation often means creativity, spontaneity, and breaking norms, while standardization can seem rigid. But as we dive deeper, we realize these concepts aren’t at odds; they’re key to driving sustainable innovation.

As we consider this more, we see that, like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 56001 is a standard focused on innovation management. It offers a framework for organizations to develop, implement, and improve innovation processes, helping to enhance the creation and delivery of value through new ideas, products, or services.

We soon understand that standardization, particularly through a management system, can streamline processes, reduce costs, and boost collaboration. Creativity is just one part of innovation, and managing it ensures consistency, allowing new ideas to thrive—especially in large organizations with multiple locations. However, we must be cautious not to overstandardize, because it could stifle creativity and limit breakthrough ideas that drive progress.

Embracing ISO 56001

The ISO 56001 standard is a beacon of promise for people like Maria. Here’s how it can revolutionize how we think about innovation.

Structured innovation management: ISO 56001 provides a systematic framework for managing innovation processes, allowing organizations to create adaptable structures that foster diverse types of innovation.

Risk management: With innovation comes uncertainty. ISO 56001 encourages organizations to identify and manage these risks, ensuring that new ideas are pursued responsibly and thoughtfully.

Cultivating an innovation culture: At its core, ISO 56001 promotes a culture that nurtures creativity and collaboration, making innovation a fundamental value within the organization.

Continuous evaluation and improvement: This standard emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment of innovation efforts, enabling organizations to refine their approaches and maximize effectiveness.

Strategic alignment: ISO 56001 ensures that innovation initiatives are aligned with broader organizational goals, turning creative efforts into meaningful value.

Integrating quality management

Going through the above thinking process, we realize that ISO 56001 complements quality management systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 beautifully. Both standards share essential principles that drive success.

Process orientation: While ISO 9001 focuses on maintaining quality, ISO 56001 allows systematic innovation to thrive.

Risk-based thinking: Both standards emphasize proactive risk management, critical in industries where quality and compliance are paramount.

Commitment to continuous improvement: Continuous improvement is a shared cornerstone, reinforcing the idea that as we innovate, we also enhance our processes.

Leveraging TRIZ and lean

Methodologies like TRIZ and lean can further amplify the benefits of ISO 56001 and ISO 9001. TRIZ equips organizations with systematic tools for inventive problem solving, while lean principles emphasize efficiency and waste reduction. Together, they can create a dynamic environment for creativity to flourish alongside operational excellence.

Take the next step

Reflecting on the above insights, you may want to explore ISO 56001 and consider how its principles can enhance your organization’s innovation capabilities. By integrating these strategies, you can cultivate a culture that embraces creativity while delivering sustainable results. What, then, are the next considerations?

To adopt, or not adopt

When evaluating whether to adopt the ISO 56001 standard for innovation management, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions to assess its alignment with your organization’s goals, resources, and long-term strategy. We can look at the key areas noted above and ask questions such as the following to guide our decision-making process.

Strategic alignment: How does ISO 56001 support our innovation objectives and contribute to broader business goals such as market differentiation and customer satisfaction?

Organizational readiness: Do we have the culture and leadership commitment to champion innovation and provide the necessary resources?

Current innovation practices: Where do we currently stand in terms of innovation? Are our current processes aligned with ISO 56001, or will major changes be necessary?

Resource investment: What are the costs, both in terms of time and personnel, for implementing and maintaining the standard? How will we measure ROI?

Risk management and mitigation: What potential risks (e.g., resource allocation, process disruptions) might arise? How will ISO 56001 help mitigate these risks?

Performance metrics and continuous improvement: How will we establish clear, measurable KPIs to assess our innovation efforts?

Customer and market effect: How will ISO 56001 help us better meet customer needs and stay ahead of market trends?

Compliance and external expectations: Are there industry regulations requiring ISO 56001? How will adopting it help us stay competitive?

Scalability and adaptability: How flexible is ISO 56001 as our organization grows? Can it support both incremental and disruptive innovation?

External benchmarking and industry recognition: Will ISO 56001 certification validate our innovation capabilities and enhance our brand reputation? Can adopting the standard help us stay competitive or differentiate ourselves based on how competitors and industry leaders innovate? Should we consider industry-specific best practices alongside ISO 56001, and how do they compare?

Sustainability and long-term value: How does ISO 56001 align with our sustainability goals and ensure long-term innovation success?

Employee engagement and culture: How will adopting ISO 56001 promote a more engaged, collaborative, and innovative workplace culture?

By reflecting on such key questions, one can better understand how ISO 56001 fits within an organization’s innovation landscape. This thoughtful evaluation can help us make an informed decision and ensure that adopting the standard brings measurable value.

If you’re curious about implementing ISO 56001 in your organization, or want to discuss its impact, training needs, or certification process, feel free to reach out in the comments below. Together, we can embark on the exciting journey of standardizing innovation management and unlock transformative growth for your organization.