A New Standard on Innovation Management

A New Standard on Innovation Management

 

The human mind is dynamic, continuously generating new ideas that lead to innovative products and services. Innovation is the practical implementation of these ideas. It involves improving or replacing processes, products, or services. Innovation serves as a key motivator for organizations, driving new business models and enhanced manufacturing techniques. It brings previously unavailable products or services to the market, helping organizations maintain a competitive edge and unlock new opportunities. Innovation significantly elevates customer satisfaction and increases revenue while offering a means to stand out from competitors in the marketplace.

 

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment, the ability to innovate is crucial for the survival and growth of any organization.

 

ISO and Innovation Management

 

Recognizing the importance of innovation, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established a technical committee, ISO/TC 279, in 2013, focusing on innovation management. The committee's scope includes standardizing terminology, tools, methods, and the interaction among relevant parties to foster innovation. Several standards have emerged under the ISO 56000 family, with the latest being ISO 56001:2024.

 

ISO 56001:2024 – Innovation Management System

 

ISO 56001:2024 is a management system standard that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an innovation management system within an organization. The standard’s goal is to enhance an organization's ability to consistently innovate and succeed. ISO 56001:2024 can be applied to organizations of all types, regardless of size, industry, or the nature of products and services they offer.

 

This standard provides a structured framework for managing innovation, aiming to reduce uncertainty and increase the likelihood of reaping significant benefits from new products, services, processes, or business models. By fostering an innovation culture, organizations can enhance their performance, resilience, and competitive advantage.

 

Benefits of Implementing ISO 56001:2024

 

Organizations implementing ISO 56001:2024 can expect several advantages, including:

 

·       Enhanced innovation performance

·       Improved capacity to manage uncertainty

·       Increased value realization from innovations in products, services, and processes

·       Cultivation of a continual improvement culture

·       Building a sustainable innovation capability

·       Improved reputation, attracting customers, partners, and investors

·       Enhanced collaboration capacity

·       Greater potential for attracting funding

 

Harmonized Structure for Seamless Integration

 

ISO 56001:2024 is designed with a harmonized structure, making it compatible with other management system standards like ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System). This compatibility allows organizations to integrate innovation management seamlessly with other management systems, promoting synergy and improving overall management efficiency.

 

Innovation Management Principles

 

The innovation management system is built on eight key principles that guide organizations toward effective innovation:

 

1.   Realization of Value
Value—whether financial or non-financial—arises from the deployment and impact of new or modified solutions.
Example: A software organization launches a new feature that significantly improves customer productivity, resulting in increased user adoption and long-term subscription renewals.

 

2.   Future-Focused Leadership
Leaders at all levels are curious and courageous, constantly challenging the status quo and fostering an inspiring vision.
Example: A retail organization’s top management encourages employees to propose new ideas, leading to the development of a loyalty program that significantly boosts customer retention.

 

3.   Strategic Direction
Innovation activities are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and supported by the necessary resources.
Example: A manufacturing organization sets a strategic goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% and invests in research for eco-friendly materials.

 

4.   Culture of openness
A culture of openness, shared values, risk-taking, and collaboration fosters both creativity and effective execution.
Example: A tech startup promotes an open-door policy, encouraging employees from different departments to collaborate on cross-functional projects, leading to faster product development.

 

5.   Exploiting Insights
Organizations systematically gather and use knowledge from diverse internal and external sources to address both stated and unstated needs.
Example: A health-tech company regularly surveys healthcare providers and patients, using feedback to develop solutions that improve patient outcomes and streamline provider workflows.

 

6.   Managing Uncertainty
Uncertainties and risks are assessed, managed, and leveraged through systematic experimentation and iteration.
Example: A pharmaceutical company invests in multiple research projects to develop new drugs, knowing that not all will succeed but understanding that the risks are necessary for breakthroughs.

 

7.   Adaptability
Organizations adjust their structures, processes, and competences in response to changes in their environment to maximize innovation capabilities.
Example: A logistics company integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, improving delivery times and enhancing customer satisfaction in response to market demand.

 

8.   Systems Approach
Innovation is managed systematically, with regular evaluation and improvements to the system.
Example: An automotive company continually evaluates its electric vehicle (EV) innovation processes, making data-driven adjustments to enhance performance and safety features.

 

Summary

 

ISO 56001:2024 provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to implement and manage innovation effectively. By following this standard, organizations can consistently innovate while reducing uncertainties. The principles of innovation management—ranging from value realization and leadership to adaptability and a systems approach—help organizations remain competitive, improve performance, and foster a sustainable culture of innovation. This standard integrates well with other management systems, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to enhance their innovation capabilities.

 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal

03 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

03 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

In the previous write-ups, readers were introduced to the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 document, covering its purpose, an overview of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of achieving SDGs, and a holistic approach to sustainable development. In this write-up, we will explore the foundation concept of the PDCA cycle, as well as the scope, normative references, and terms and definitions related to the guidelines document.

Foundation Concept - PDCA Cycle

The ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 guidelines are built on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, a continual improvement methodology used by organizations implementing management system standards. This concept is crucial for achieving ongoing improvements in processes, products, and services. The PDCA cycle fosters an organizational mindset geared towards continual improvement. Each phase of the cycle is applied as follows:

1. Plan: Establish SDG-related objectives and the processes necessary to achieve them. Identify and evaluate risks and opportunities. Ensure the results align with the organization’s SDG policy and ambitions.

2. Do: Implement the processes as planned.

3. Check: Monitor and measure the performance of activities and processes against the organization’s SDG policy and objectives. Report the outcomes of this evaluation.

4. Act: Take actions to improve performance continually and achieve the desired results.

Scope of the Document

Clause 1 of the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 guidelines outlines the document’s scope. It provides guidance for organizations in the following areas:

1. Managing and optimizing contributions to SDGs: Organizations are advised on how to better manage their efforts to meet the United Nations SDGs.

2. Identifying and managing impacts on stakeholders: This involves prioritizing and addressing the organization's impact on stakeholders, such as customers, regulatory bodies, investors, and others.

3. Embedding sustainable development into operations: Organizations are encouraged to integrate sustainability into their strategies, operations, and decision-making in a systematic and holistic way.

4. Enhancing and demonstrating SDG performance: Organizations should aim to maximize positive impacts while minimizing adverse effects on stakeholders, particularly under-recognized and vulnerable groups.

The guidelines support the current SDGs, as well as any future Global Goals that succeed the 2030 SDGs. Additionally, the document aligns with the UNDP SDG Impact Standards for Enterprises.

Normative References

Clause 2 of the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 guidelines covers normative references. Currently, there are no normative references in this document.

Terms and Definitions

Clause 3 deals with the terms and definitions used in this guidelines document. The document links to the ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia for terminological resources. It also defines 41 terms essential for understanding the guidelines. Many of these terms are similar to those used in other management system standards, such as ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems). 

More updates and write-ups will follow.

Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal 

#02 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

#02 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024  

In the previous write-up, readers were provided with an introduction to the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 document. In this write-up, we will delve deeper into the document’s purpose and its practical implications.

 

Purpose of ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

 

The purpose of the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 document is to help organizations shift from SDG alignment to SDG action—from strategic thinking to real, impactful action—so that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are placed at the core of business operations.

 

The guidelines provided by ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 can assist organizations in better aligning their business purpose, strategy, and outcomes with societal needs, fostering a shift in expectations. These guidelines help organizations take greater responsibility for their impact on people and the planet while improving their business performance. They encourage organizations to explore new business models and innovative ways of working, such as developing sustainable products, services, and solutions that open up new markets and customers.

 

For example, a manufacturing organization in the textile industry could innovate by using biodegradable materials and ethical labour practices, leading to both sustainability and a new customer base that values eco-friendly products.

 

Figure – Sustainable Development Goals (Courtesy Source – United Nations website)

The document also encourages better resource allocation and helps organizations anticipate risks and opportunities related to sustainable development earlier, improving management. Furthermore, the guidelines help organizations communicate more effectively with various stakeholders, such as governments, regulators, NGOs, investors, and those directly impacted by the organization’s activities.

 

By following these guidelines, organizations can not only meet the needs of their stakeholders but also improve transparency for disclosure, reporting, and audit requirements.

 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

 

The 17 SDGs represent a global call to action to end poverty, protect our planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. They are integrated and indivisible, based on human rights and supported by 169 specific targets. The SDGs cover five broad dimensions: People, Prosperity, Planet, Partnership, and Peace. The central vision is to "leave no one behind."

 

The SDGs recognize that actions in one area will affect outcomes in others. Therefore, development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. For instance, ending poverty (SDG 1) is closely linked with ensuring access to education (SDG 4), reducing inequality (SDG 10), and addressing climate change (SDG 13).

Here’s a brief overview of the 17 SDGs:

 

1.   No poverty - End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

2.   Zero hunger - End hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

3.   Good health and well-being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

4.   Quality education - Ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning.

5.   Gender equality - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

6.   Clean water and sanitation - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all.

7.   Affordable and clean energy - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

8.   Decent work and economic growth - Promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth and decent work.

9.   Industry, innovation, and infrastructure - Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation.

10. Reduced inequality - Reduce inequality within and among countries.

11. Sustainable cities and communities - Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

12. Responsible consumption and production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

13. Climate action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

14. Life below water - Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.

15. Life on land - Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions - Promote peaceful, inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions.

17. Partnership for the goals - Strengthen global partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

 

Importance of Achieving SDGs

 

The 169 targets associated with these 17 SDGs represent the minimum sustainable development thresholds agreed upon by all UN Member States. Failure to meet these targets presents a significant risk to the world's social and ecological systems. Therefore, organizations across all sectors must redirect significant investments and activities toward achieving these goals and developing solutions on a global scale.

For instance, an organization operating in the energy sector may develop renewable energy sources (SDG 7), while simultaneously contributing to climate action (SDG 13) and sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9).

 

Organizations that implement ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 guidelines can accelerate their contributions toward  the sustainable development goals and help create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

 

Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development

 

The ISO/UNDP PAS document was developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is based on the UNDP's SDG Impact Standards and relevant ISO standards. It aims to integrate the SDGs into all business and investment decision-making processes and provide a foundation for effective communication with stakeholders.

 

A holistic approach to sustainable development is essential. This means transforming economic and political systems to create a sustainable and regenerative growth model—one that ensures that no one is left behind.

 

More updates and write-ups will follow.

 

Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal

#01 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

 

#01 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

 

In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for all people and the planet.

 

Central to this agenda are the seventeen United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for urgent action by all countries. However, it is evident that governments alone cannot achieve these goals. The SDGs require collaborative efforts between governments, citizens, the public sector, civil society, and organizations, including not-for-profit entities and private-sector organizations.

 

ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 is a joint document developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It offers guidance on how organizations can:

(i) contribute to the SDGs, and
(ii) integrate sustainability into their operations and decision-making processes.

 

By applying these guidelines, organizations can ensure that:

 

·       They perform holistically and systematically,

·       Contribute effectively to the SDGs by optimizing impacts on stakeholders and specific SDG targets, and

·       Minimize negative impacts.

 

Implementing the guidelines from ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 enables organizations to strengthen resilience and improve future performance.

 

It is important to note that ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 is not a management system standard and does not establish the requirements of such a system. Organizations without a formal management system can also use this document. Meanwhile, those with a management system will find this document useful as its guidelines are compatible with ISO’s harmonized structure for management system standards.

 

Key areas of guidance provided by ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 include:

 

·       Setting objectives and targets aligned with relevant SDG indicators and goals to maximize positive stakeholder impact and SDG contributions.

·       Engaging stakeholders to identify and prioritize both actual and potential impacts, whether positive or negative.

·       Collecting data on actual and expected impacts.

·       Generating options that foster innovation and support informed decision-making.

·       Making decisions that account for risk tolerance.

·       Understanding and managing trade-offs to maximize impact, contribute to the SDGs, and address stakeholder needs.

 

On 12 September 2024, during the ISO Annual Meeting in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, the ISO/UNDP guidelines for contributing to the UN SDGs were officially released. This first publicly available document is expected to accelerate the response of organizations of all types and sizes toward achieving the SDGs.

 

More updates and write-ups will follow.

 

Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal