The ISO 56001 Innovation Management System Certification establishes a structured framework for organisations to manage innovation strategically from ideation through to execution and value realisation. Recent research reveals that 83% of companies regard innovation as a top-three priority, yet only 3% feel truly ready to convert those priorities into concrete outcomes.
Thus, achieving ISO 56001 can bridge this readiness gap and drive meaningful change. Engaging a skilled consultant becomes essential, as they guide your team, navigate documentation, streamline implementation, and position you for successful certification and long-term growth.
What is ISO 56001 Certification?
ISO 56001 Certification is an international standard that provides a structured framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an effective Innovation Management System (IMS). It helps organisations systematically manage ideas, foster creativity, and turn innovations into measurable business value.
By achieving ISO 56001 certification, companies can enhance competitiveness, streamline innovation processes, and build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement and growth. Companies can also follow the ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards for enhanced coverage.
Why is ISO 56001 Important for Modern Businesses?
ISO 56001 is crucial for modern businesses because it enables them to innovate with purpose and consistency. In today’s competitive market, relying solely on spontaneous ideas is insufficient; organizations require a structured system to manage innovation effectively.
This certification enables businesses to identify opportunities, reduce risks, and create value-driven solutions. It strengthens adaptability, boosts long-term growth, and ensures innovation becomes a core part of the company’s strategy and culture.
What are the Benefits of ISO 56001 Certification?
ISO 56001 Certification provides organizations with a structured approach to innovate, enhance performance, and generate long-term business value through continuous improvement and creative problem-solving.
- Builds a Culture of Innovation
It encourages employees at all levels to share ideas and collaborate. This open culture fosters creativity, enhances teamwork, and enables the organization to adapt to changing market demands continually. - Enhances Business Competitiveness
By managing innovation systematically, businesses can develop better products, services, and strategies. This helps them stay ahead of competitors, attract customers, and adapt quickly to new market trends. - Improves Operational Efficiency
ISO 56001 helps identify gaps, reduce wasted efforts, and streamline innovation processes. This results in faster decision-making, optimized resources, and improved efficiency across teams and departments. - Strengthens Risk Management
The certification encourages proactive identification and mitigation of risks in innovation projects. This minimizes financial losses, enhances decision accuracy, and ensures smoother execution of new initiatives. - Boosts Reputation and Stakeholder Trust
Achieving ISO 56001 demonstrates commitment to structured innovation and quality improvement. It builds trust among investors, clients, and partners, positioning the organization as a forward-thinking leader.
Certification Process: How to Achieve ISO 56001 Certification
Achieving ISO 56001 Certification requires a clear, step-by-step approach that ensures structured innovation and continuous business improvement.
Step 1: Understand the Standard and Its Requirements
Begin by thoroughly studying the ISO 56001 framework. Understand its principles, terminology, and structure. This helps your organization align innovation goals with global best practices, ensuring a strong foundation for implementation.
Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis
Evaluate your existing innovation processes against the requirements of ISO 56001. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. A detailed gap analysis enables you to create a focused action plan for enhancing compliance and performance.
Step 3: Develop and Implement Your Innovation Management System (IMS)
Create an Innovation Management System tailored to your business needs. Define policies, roles, and processes to manage innovation and drive its success effectively. Implement tools and training to encourage idea generation and execution.
Step 4: Internal Audits and Management Review
Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance and performance. Review results with management to identify opportunities for improvement, address challenges, and refine innovation strategies before the external certification audit.
Step 5: External Certification Audit by an Accredited Body
Once your system is ready, undergo an external audit by a recognized certification body. The auditors verify compliance with ISO 56001 standards, ensuring your organization meets global benchmarks for innovation excellence.
Who Should Get ISO 56001 Certified?
ISO 56001 Certification is ideal for organizations that aim to strengthen their innovation capabilities, streamline idea management, and drive sustainable growth across diverse industries and business operations.
Who Should Get ISO 56001 Certified:
- Startups: Build structured innovation processes to attract investors and scale efficiently with a clear strategic direction.
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Improve competitiveness, manage creative ideas, and develop innovative products and services effectively.
- Large Corporations: Foster cross-department innovation, enhance efficiency, and maintain a consistent flow of new market-ready solutions.
- Research and Development Organizations: Systematize R&D activities, boost collaboration, and ensure every innovation aligns with business objectives.
- Government and Public Sector: Promote sustainable development, improve services, and encourage innovative policy-making and problem-solving approaches.
Requirements for ISO 56001 Certification
To achieve ISO 56001 Certification, organizations must meet specific requirements that ensure innovation is managed systematically, strategically, and effectively across all levels of the business.
Key Requirements for ISO 56001 Certification:
- Innovation Policy and Objectives:
Establish a clear innovation policy aligned with organizational goals. Define measurable objectives that support creativity, value creation, and continuous improvement within your innovation management framework. - Leadership and Commitment:
Top management must actively support and promote innovation. Their commitment ensures a strategic direction, effective resource allocation, and a culture that fosters experimentation and learning. - Strategic Planning:
Develop a strategy that aligns innovation initiatives with business priorities. This includes identifying market opportunities, defining innovation goals, and setting performance metrics to track progress. - Governance and Roles:
Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making structures. Proper governance ensures accountability and smooth coordination between teams involved in innovation projects. - Knowledge and Resource Management:
Maintain access to the right knowledge, tools, and resources. Effective management ensures employees have the skills and support to drive meaningful innovation. - Risk and Opportunity Assessment:
Identify potential risks and opportunities at every stage of the innovation process. This helps mitigate failures and maximize success through proactive planning and management. - Performance Evaluation:
Regularly monitor and measure innovation outcomes. Utilize KPIs and feedback to assess performance, pinpoint areas for improvement, and ensure alignment with business objectives. - Continuous Improvement:
Encourage learning from successes and failures. Utilize insights to refine your innovation processes, boost efficiency, and enhance your organization’s innovation capabilities over time.
Documents Required for ISO 56001 Certification
To achieve ISO 56001 Certification, organizations must maintain well-structured documentation that demonstrates compliance, effective implementation, and continual improvement of their Innovation Management System.
Documents Required for ISO 56001 Certification:
- Innovation Management Policy and Objectives
- Strategic Innovation Plan
- Risk and Opportunity Assessment Reports
- Innovation Process and Procedure Manuals
- Roles, Responsibilities, and Competency Records
- Training and Awareness Records
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Reports
- Internal Audit and Management Review Reports
- Records of Innovation Projects and Outcomes
- Continuous Improvement and Corrective Action Reports
What Factors Influence the Cost of ISO 56001 Certification?
The cost of ISO 56001 Certification depends on factors such as organization size, operational complexity, the number of locations, and the maturity of the existing system.
Additional elements such as documentation readiness, consultant support, and audit duration also impact pricing. Investing in expert guidance can optimize resources, reduce unnecessary expenses, and ensure a smooth, efficient certification journey.
How Consultants Simplify the ISO 56001 Journey?
Consultants simplify the ISO 56001 journey by guiding organizations through every stage—from gap analysis and documentation to audits and implementation. Their expertise ensures accuracy, saves time, and prevents costly errors.
Hiring a professional consultant not only streamlines the certification process but also helps build a strong, sustainable innovation management system that drives real business growth.
Begin Your Certification Journey with Altus Asia
Get your ISO 56001 certification faster with Altus Asia, your trusted partner for innovation management. Our expert consultants handle everything from preparing documents to getting you ready for audits, so the process feels simple and stress-free. Contact us today to embark on your ISO 56001 certification journey with Altus Asia and achieve success with confidence.
FAQ’s
- What is the purpose of ISO 56001 Certification?
ISO 56001 Certification helps organizations develop a structured approach to managing innovation. It ensures creativity is aligned with business goals, driving measurable growth, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. - Is ISO 56001 Certification suitable for all industries?
Yes, ISO 56001 applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors. Whether it’s manufacturing, IT, education, or government, it helps improve innovation performance and decision-making processes. - How long does it take to achieve ISO 56001 Certification?
The certification timeline usually ranges from three to six months. The duration depends on your organization’s readiness, the quality of its documentation, and the effectiveness of its innovation management system. - Does ISO 56001 replace other management system standards?
No, ISO 56001 complements other standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Together, they strengthen overall business performance, quality, sustainability, and innovation excellence within the organization. - Why should businesses hire a consultant for ISO 56001 Certification?
Consultants provide expert guidance, streamline documentation, and prepare your team for audits. Their support ensures faster certification, improved compliance, and a robust innovation management system that delivers long-term results.
