Sweden could be among the first with global ISO certification for Innovation
23 June 2025, 05:00
ISO 56001 is the first certifiable global standard for innovation management systems. Sweden and RISE now have the opportunity to offer organizations—such as companies or public sector entities—the chance to be among the first in the world to set a new standard for their innovation efforts.
- Innovation management is a strategic capability that is becoming increasingly important as technology, sustainability requirements, and societal challenges evolve rapidly. Through ISO 56001, organizations can demonstrate that they work systematically and with a long-term perspective on innovation. This is a crucial step in strengthening Sweden’s innovation capacity, says Tomas Holm, Head of Certification at RISE.
Tomas Holm, Head of Certification at RISE.
RISE is expected to become one of the first accredited certification bodies for ISO 56001 in late autumn. Organizations can already express their interest and begin preparations.
The standard is designed to work across all types of organizations—from municipalities and university hospitals to industrial companies, tech firms, and science parks. It builds on previous guidelines for innovation management (ISO 56002) but is now formally certifiable.
- The standard ISO 56001 is a concrete tool for creating order and structure in innovation work. It also makes it easier to integrate innovation management with other management systems, such as those for quality or the environment, says Tomas Holm.
ISO 56001 has been developed through broad international collaboration. In Sweden, contributors include RISE, Vinnova, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR), Karolinska University Hospital, Sweco Sweden, curlabs, Novelty Quest, and SISP – Swedish Incubators & Science Parks.
- This certification provides both intrinsic value — in the form of more efficient processes and increased capacity for innovation — and external value by showing partners, customers, and citizens that innovation is a priority,” says Tomas Holm.
Learn more about the certification of innovation management systems:
Certification of management systems for innovation - ISO 56001
Press Contact:
Tomas Holm, Head of Certification tomas.holm@ri.se, +46 10 516 59 88