ISO 56000:2025 defines and guides a series of international standards for innovation management. It is specifically designed to help companies and organisations improve the systematic and efficient management of their innovation processes.
The ISO 56000 standard was developed to address the need for a more structured approach to managing innovation in an increasingly competitive global environment. In 2013, the ISO/TC 279 working group was established to identify best practices for innovation management.
More than 35 countries and experts from various sectors contributed to this process. ISO 56002, published in 2019, became the first global standard for innovation management systems, while ISO 56000:2020 defined the terminology and conceptual framework for innovation management.
The ISO 56000 series continue to evolve, expanding with new additional standards.
Purpose of the ISO 56000 Standard
ISO 56000 helps organisations enhance innovation capabilities, manage risks, and turn creative ideas into successful business outcomes. It focuses on the following key areas:
- Innovation Management System– Helps companies approach innovation as a structured process.
- Innovation Strategy – Supports organisations in defining their innovation strategies.
- Innovation Culture – Encourages the development of an organisational culture that fosters innovation.
- Collaboration and Open Innovation – Promotes innovation through internal and external stakeholder engagement.
- Risk and Opportunity Management – Provides a systematic approach to addressing uncertainties in innovation processes.
ISO 56000 Series and Its Contents
The ISO 56000 series consist of multiple sub-standards that address various aspects of innovation management. The most notable ones include:
- ISO 56000:2020 – Innovation management – Fundamentals and terminology
- ISO 56002:2019 – Guidance for innovation management systems
- ISO 56003:2019 – Tools and methods for innovation partnerships
- ISO 56004:2019 – Innovation Management Assessment
- ISO 56005:2020 – Guidance on intellectual property management
- ISO 56006 (Draft) – Strategic intelligence and insight management
- ISO 56007 (Draft) – Opportunity management
- ISO 56008 (Draft) – Measurement management
ISO 56000 is not just for large corporations—it also makes innovation accessible to SMEs and startups.
Get in touch with us to learn how your organisation could benefit from Management Systems! sales@cfecert.co.uk
