#8 Performance indicators in ISO 56001 audits

ISO 56001, the global standard for Innovation Management Systems, is being adopted by forward-thinking organizations worldwide. However, one of the most complex areas to assess and audit is measuring innovation performance.

Innovation performance indicators don’t fit neatly into traditional KPIs. Internal and certification auditors must assess a mix of process, portfolio, and system-level indicators that go beyond outputs to include learning, adaptability, and strategic alignment. Add uncertainty and long-time horizons, and the task becomes even more complex.

What can auditors do?

• Ensure indicators are aligned with the innovation strategy, not just activity levels.
• Look for end-to-end process indicators: input, throughput, output, and impact.
• Check if indicators enable continuous learning and improvement, not just reporting.

Innovation success is about more than outcomes. It’s about learning, direction, and readiness for what's next.

Performance indicators is one of eight critical themes auditors must be aware of and master when auditing ISO 56001.