The next step for the innovation management profession

The next step for the innovation management profession is universally recognized third-party personal certification. It means ONE shared Innovation Management Competency Framework and Body of Knowledge, and an open market for training providers and accredited certification bodies.

As a result, it will strengthen the innovation management profession, establish an open job market, boost the employability of individuals, and provide employers with assurance.

ISO is currently developing the international guidance standard: Competency Framework for Innovation Management (ISO 56011). It builds on the innovation management principles in ISO 56000 and the innovation management system requirements in ISO 56001.

The ISPIM Special Interest Group: ISO Standards & Body of Knowledge is currently developing the first internationally shared Innovation Management Body of Knowledge (ISPIM IMBOK). It is developed by practitioners for practitioners.

The Association for Innovation Management Professionals in Sweden (Innovationsledarna) was established more than 10 years ago. It pioneered the first Job Description and Body of Knowledge. Similar professional associations have been established in Ireland, the UK, and elsewhere.

The certification arm of RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) was the first certification body to offer third-party personal certification for Innovation Management Associates and Innovation Management Professionals. It is based on the standard ISO 17024 Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.

Qualified and effective innovation management professionals are needed more than ever to boost innovation performance and build innovation capabilities across all types of organizations and ecosystems in Europe and globally.