Innovation Standards and Competency Frameworks

This podcast episode from Innovate Ireland explores the seemingly paradoxical concept of standardizing innovation through conversations with two experts in the field.

Eoin Flavin discusses ISO 56000 - a family of standards for innovation management. He explains how these globally validated frameworks can actually enhance rather than constrain innovation:

• The standards synthesize knowledge from over a thousand global experts, creating a common innovation language
• They help organizations identify gaps in their innovation capabilities and processes
• Contrary to the myth of the "lone genius," successful innovation at scale typically involves disciplined systems
• Most standards provide helpful guidance rather than strict instructions
• Organizations can use them as a reference point to assess their innovation maturity

As Eoin puts it, "While some argue that standardisation is the enemy of innovation...many breakthrough innovations came about through following sets of processes."

In the second half, Charlie Tuxworth shares his work on developing a competency framework for innovators.

Key points include:

• The framework helps individuals identify their current innovation skills and development needs
• It creates a consistent "innovation language" that enables better collaboration
• Course providers and universities can align their offerings with the framework
• Employers can better understand the specific innovation competencies of potential hires
• The goal is to "democratize" innovation skills by removing barriers to learning

Charlie emphasizes that innovation skills are increasingly in demand as we face complex challenges: "We know that the sticky problems that we're facing in terms of the economy, society and the environment can't be fixed by just trying harder."

Both speakers agree that far from killing creativity, good innovation frameworks actually enhance it by creating shared understanding and more effective collaboration. A draft version of Charlie's framework is expected later in 2025.

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Find out more about ISO 56000 here: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:56000:dis:ed-1:v1:en

Access Innovate Island’s handbook on ISO here: https://my.innovateisland.net/c/publications/innovate-island-handbook-making-innovation-work

Find out more about the Competency Framework here: https://mailchi.mp/celsiogroup/competency_framework

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