The New ISO 56000 Family of Standards for Innovation Management

Innovation is the engine of today’s knowledge economy, providing the primary means by which organizations achieve competitive advantage, adapt to change, and deliver value to stakeholders. While the creative spark of invention is essential, sustainable innovation demands a disciplined process that guides ideas from conception to commercialization and adoption. The ISO 56000 family of standards provides a global framework for systematically managing innovation, culminating in the 2024 publication of ISO 56001, which sets certifiable requirements for innovation management systems. This article explores the evolution, principles, structure, and practical implications of the ISO 56000 family, with a particular focus on the interplay between culture, leadership, digital transformation, and the transformative rise of artificial intelligence (AI).