#Japan #Innovation #Tokyo #NEC #ISO 56001

NEC Solution Innovators Achieves BSI Kitemark Certification for ISO 56001

On May 28, NEC Solution Innovators' Innovation Laboratory proudly announced its achievement of the BSI Kitemark™ certification based on the international standard for Innovation Management Systems (IMS), ISO 56001, awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI). This certification recognizes the laboratory's effective organizational practices in fostering new business creation.

Introduction to ISO 56001

ISO 56001 serves as a global standard for organizations to continuously create new value through innovation management. It outlines a structured approach to evaluate the value of innovations that may have uncertain commercialization prospects by implementing processes of hypothesis verification, learning, and ongoing improvements. Through this process, organizations can accumulate insights, paving the way for persistent innovation.

Background of Achieving ISO 56001 Certification

In a rapidly changing market and amid various societal challenges, businesses are increasingly called upon to adapt quickly while continuously creating new value. To meet these demands, a unified framework for consistently operating processes like challenge exploration and hypothesis verification becomes essential. Consequently, the Innovation Laboratory developed business development guidelines that outline necessary actions and evaluation criteria for each process and has worked on embedding these practices into its operations.

Evaluation by BSI

BSI's assessment process highlighted the Innovation Laboratory's systematic implementation of IMS within its new business development procedures. Critical components evaluated included top management reviews, portfolio management, gate reviews, mentoring activities, personnel development initiatives, and knowledge management. The laboratory's ability to integrate these aspects into a cohesive operational structure was a key factor in attaining the certification.

Impact of IMS Implementation

The introduction of IMS has led to standardized processes for new business development, allowing for systematic organization of customer challenges, solutions, and business models for each business plan. An emphasis on Customer Problem Fit (CPF) has permeated the organization, anchoring discussions around whether genuine customer challenges exist. This shift has moved the focus from technology-driven thinking to customer problem-oriented innovation creation.

Moreover, the ethos of ‘continuously conducting sincere experiments’ has taken root, nurturing a culture that values learning through hypothesis verification. This culture emphasizes not avoiding failure but rather enhancing the accuracy and speed of learning based on circumstances and data, thereby strengthening the foundation for ongoing innovation.

The establishment of a structure and culture that promotes continual learning is underway, alongside talent development based on these frameworks. Additionally, there are plans to share insights obtained from previous efforts externally, enhancing partnerships and expanding opportunities for sustainable co-creation.

Looking Ahead

The Innovation Laboratory intends to keep updating its IMS based on ISO 56001 and to advance new business creation activities through collaborations with a diverse range of partners. By strategically integrating new business development with research and technology development, they aim to contribute to solving societal issues while fostering NEC Group's growth through the development and social implementation of new ventures.

Acknowledgment from BSI Group

In acknowledging this milestone, Ryan Mao, Product Certification Commercial Director at BSI Group, expressed heartfelt congratulations to NEC Solution Innovators on their ISO 56001 certification achievement, highlighting the significance of this accomplishment. He noted that this certification demonstrates robust innovation management capabilities and a strong commitment to excellence, setting a benchmark for not only Japan but the entire APAC region. He also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and professionalism exhibited by the NEC team during the assessment process.

For more information, visit the Innovation Laboratory's website. For inquiries, contact the NEC Solution Innovators Innovation Laboratory at [email protected].