The GC-Mark audit and assurance program is the perfect way to highlight your commitment to Innovation Management: during the audit, our assessors verify the implementation of a robust innovation management system. Third-party confirmation of this innovation management greatly enhances trust between business partners and provides assurance that risks associated with this service are managed appropriately.

What is an innovation management system?

An Innovation Management System is a set of processes to make sure that an organization operates in a specialized and standardized way. An effective Innovation Management System enables organizations to determine the relevant documents, persons and processes to ensure that its innovation capacity stays on a high level or even increases. It also guarantees that – once applied – an organization can track and improve the planning, operation, and monitoring of its innovation management system based on the relevant KPIs.

What is the purpose of ISO 50501?

The international standard ISO 50501 provides standardized terminology, methods and guidelines for effective innovation management systems. These guidelines are based on seven principles that characterizes an innovative organization. It provides specific toolsets and practices to create a system of record for innovation that empower an organization to innovate more consistently and cost effectively. The standards is non-sector specific and intended to be applicable to all organizations and regardless of the type, size and nature or geographical location. Nevertheless, there is special focus on SMEs. It is also for all kind of innovation (product/service, process, business model, method) and will affect a wide range of stakeholders.

How does this relate to the GC-Mark “Approved Innovation Management”?

GC-Mark for innovation management systems is an audit and assurance scheme, based upon the guidelines of ISO 50501:2018, which in itself is just a guidance standard, which means it does not contain requirements. After a successful audit on site, performed by qualified auditors, you may use the GC-Mark certificate, symbol and label to highlight your commitment to an effective and efficient innovation management system.