ACTA IMEKO, Vol. 12, No. 2 (2023), pp. 1 - 6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v12i2.1461
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to share the experience gained from an early adoption of the ISO 56000 series of standards for innovation management systems. The University of Ruse is among the first universities in Bulgaria to implement an ISO 9001 quality management system. Later this system is updated and extended with elements of ISO 21001:2018- management systems for educational organizations. Since 2020 the Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Centre (TTIPC) at the University of Ruse has implemented a number of requirements and guidelines of the ISO 56000 series of standards. The foundation of the integrated management system is ISO 56002:2019 with guidance for innovation management. The principles for innovation management from ISO 56000:2020 are being followed while implementing key methods and tools from ISO 56003:2019 for innovation partnership, ISO/TR 56004:2019 for innovation management assessment, ISO 56005:2020 for intellectual property management, and ISO 56006:2021 for strategic intelligence.
Keywords: innovation management system; ISO 56000 series; intellectual property management; best practice.
https://acta.imeko.org/index.php/acta-imeko/issue/view/44 ; https://acta.imeko.org/index.php/acta-imeko/article/view/1461 ; https://acta.imeko.org/index.php/acta-imeko/article/view/1461/2824
Proceedings of XXXIV ISPIM Innovation Conference, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 04 June to 07 June 2023. ISBN 978‐952‐65069‐3‐7. Editors: Iain Bitran, Leandro Bitetti, Steffen Conn, Jessica Fishburn, Eelko Huizingh, Paavo Ritala, Marko Torkkeli & Jialei Yang. pp. 1-8.
Link to the published paper.
Abstract: This case study focuses on alignment. We investigate using the 'True NORTH' method (Truly simple, Narrative, Objective, Restrictions, Tactical constraints, Here is a place to start) inspired by the military commander's intent method. This method is applied in a Bulgarian university trying to overcome challenges post-COVID: face time, low involvement levels of professors and students alike, additional stress from being reachable anytime, anywhere, etc. This tool and the lessons learned from the case study can be applied in any organization working on getting alignment on innovation objectives. The tool 'True NORTH' is supported by easy-to-use checklists and videos. This tool (and similar tools) could help innovation teams to be better aligned to achieve innovation objectives by following precise and meaningful action plans. This would reduce stress and frustration for both employees and top management. Clarity and alignment make the innovation process easier and more effective.
Keywords: Alignment; Innovation management; Commander’s Intent; Case Study; True North.
Abstract: The paper presents a methodology for uncovering, developing, nurturing, and improving innovation partnerships. The basis of the partnership is the implemented innovation management system at the University of Ruse, Bulgaria. The innovation portfolio is the starting point that serves to create a short list of potential internal and external partners. The expected outputs of implementing the guidance of ISO 56003 are the innovation partnership agreements in combination with non-disclosure agreements. The plans for the future include targeting potential partners in order to improve the overall performance of the innovation management system and more specifically- to protect the intellectual property rights of the university and its community of researchers.
Keywords: Innovation Management Systems, Innovation Partnership, ISO 56003, University of Ruse.
Conference Proceedings of Joint IMEKO TC11 & TC24 hybrid conference 2022, 16–19 October 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia. pp. 66-69. SCOPUS
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to outline the advantages of integrating quality management systems with innovation management systems. The paper presents the chronology of ISO standards for management systems, the evolution from quality management systems based on ISO 9001 to innovation management systems based on ISO 56002. The discussion evolves into a summary of the lessons learned from the implementation of such systems. The conclusions highlight a number of opportunities for improvement and suggestions for the practical implementation of innovation management systems in universities.
Keywords: quality management systems; ISO 9001; innovation management systems; ISO 56002; university management systems.
Assessment of Innovation Management Systems and Intellectual Property
Abstract: Innovation management is a complex process because it is directly related to both creativity and quantitative indicators. The protection of innovations by intellectual property objects provides a basis for obtaining financial benefits from the innovations created. CEN/TS 16555-7 and ISO / TR 56004 are standards that could serve as a summary of best practices for organizing, implementing, and reporting the assessment of innovation management. This paper presents the experience of the University of Ruse gained by assessments of innovation management and intellectual property.
Keywords: innovation management, intellectual property, quantitative indicators, assessment, ISO/TR 56004:2019.
Proceedings Book of 6th International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering 20 - 22 October 2021 (ICAME 2021), Istanbul, Turkey. pp. 320-325. ISBN 978-975-461-599-9.
Abstract: The desire for continual improvement is natural for any human being. In an industrial setting, the efforts to improve productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of processes can be focused by following the requirements of international standards. The ISO 9000 series of standards specify requirements, guidelines, and maturity models to achieve continual improvement. It is a common misconception that standards stifle new ideas and innovations. This paper aims to demonstrate how quality and innovation management standards can coexist and can jointly contribute to improved organizational performance.
Keywords: Continual Improvement, Innovation, ISO 9000 series of standards, ISO 56000 series of standards.
http://icameconference.yildiz.edu.tr/Home/Page/82?slug=PROCEEDINGS%20BOOK
International Scientific Journal ''Innovations", Vol. 9 (2021), Issue 2, pp. 48-50. ISSN 2603-3771.
Proceedings Innovation Policy and Innovation Management - Innovative Solutions. pp. 9-11.
Abstract: Innovations require professional knowledge augmented by personal skills, creativity is the most frequently cited. It is a common misconception that standards limit creativity. The recent trends in management system standards prove that they can be used as best practices in order to improve organizational performance in various domains. The seven parts of CEN/TS 16555 are the precursor of the ISO 56000 series of standards for innovation management systems. The article provides a chronological review of these standards, their relation to the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the way they can provide benefits for the organizations.
Keywords: innovation management systems, ISO 56002, ISO 56000 series, UN SDG, intellectual property, technology transfer.
https://stumejournals.com/journals/innovations/2021/2/48.full.pdf (Journal)
http://www.innova-eng.eu/proceedings/2021.pdf (Proceedings)
Proceedings of University of Ruse - 2020, volume 59, book 9.1, FRI-ONLINE-1-QHE-03, pp. 27-32. ISSN 1311-3321.
Abstract: The paper presents a method for improving the educational management system at the university level. Traditionally integrated management systems comprise requirements for quality, environment, and occupational health and safety. The proposed method for improvement involves the synergy between the latest editions of several international standards such as ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 21001 for educational organizations, and ISO 56002 for innovation management systems. Recommendations for the practical implementation of the integrated management system are made.
Keywords: Quality, Innovation, Integrated Management System, Education.
Int. J. Work Innovation, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2022, pp. 28-47.
Abstract: Innovativeness is one of the fundamental instruments of growth strategies that enable firms to enter new markets, increase existing market share, and achieve a competitive advantage. Encouraging innovation in SMEs remains a key initiative to stimulate firm growth, especially in developing countries, like Kosovo, where innovation is mostly incremental. Even though SMEs are characterised by resource scarcity and high-risk failure, they still are, considered more productive because of their flexibility to adapt to market changes. One of the most significant influences on promoting innovation is organisational culture. A creative, innovative culture can be developed by choosing the right innovation strategy, building effective development processes, making resource commitments, and leveraging capabilities. Few studies examine the characteristics of innovation culture among SMEs in developing countries. This study aims to examine the organisational culture in SMEs that have developed innovations. Twenty-four SMEs participated in this research through interviews. The results showed that top management leadership is crucial to building an innovation culture within SMEs. These findings substantiated the importance of having a creative and competitive organisational culture in SMEs.
Keywords: innovative culture; SMEs; case study; Kosovo.
Int. J. Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp.252–286, 2021.
Abstract: Complementary innovations within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been a subject of great interest among authors. This study aims to examine the complementary of different types of innovations with specific focus on SMEs in the Kosovo market. The empirical bases for this analysis are derived from 24 qualitative case studies from innovative SMEs in Kosovo, coming from service, manufacturing and trade sectors by using NVivo software. The majority of interviewed enterprises developed two innovations simultaneously, meaning that the introduction of one innovation led to the introduction of another one. Product and process innovations are complementary in most of the cases, and the firm prefers a simultaneous adoption. Nevertheless, the findings show that in few cases, there is a combination of other types of innovations.
Keywords: complementarity; innovation; small and medium enterprises.
South East European Journal of Economics and Business, Volume 15 (1) 2020, 27-43, DOI: 10.2478/jeb-2020-0003.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different forms of innovation on firm growth, in terms of sales. A total of 278 samples were collected from SMEs in the manufacturing, service and trade industries throughout Kosovo. The data were analysed using a logistic regression analysis. The findings confirm the hypotheses that marketing innovation is positively associated with firm growth, while new to the firm products is negatively associated with firm growth. Other innovation attributes have resulted with non-significance value. The findings in this study can be useful for theoretical discussion, as well as for policy formulation related to introduction of innovation and SMEs development considering that innovation is critical factor in today’s market and competition. Further studies should look into how SMEs could investigate over time from the initial stage to the full development of innovation.
Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises, innovation, firm growth, Kosovo.
Rexhepi, G., Hisrich, R.D., Ramadani, V. (eds) Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Springer, Cham, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16912-1_7
Abstract: Growth, success and survival depend on the capability of the firms to innovate and network continuously. The purpose of this book chapter is to explore the impact of open innovation in the start-up firm growth. SMEs are capable to develop innovation, but not many of them are able to manage the whole innovation process. This implies the need for collaboration of SMEs with others, such as other firms or academic and research institutions. The research approach is based on a single case study by interviewing an innovative firm in Kosovo, Formon 3D Printer. The empirical findings show a low level of open innovation with establishment of Formon 3D. They managed to collaborate with only one professor of University of Prishtina at the beginning stage. Indeed, open innovation has its crucial importantly, especially for start-ups in transition countries. Yet, challenges to effective collaboration still remain as entrepreneurs often question their partners’ commitment to supporting firm growth. This study provides findings valid for innovative private firms in Kosovo, and should not be generalized to other firms in Kosovo, the region or beyond.
Int. J. Technological Learning, Innovation and Development, Vol. 11, No. 3, 2019. pp. 215-244.
Abstract: Today, successful implementation of innovation within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been a subject of great interest among authors. The purpose of this study is to explore the driving factors and challenges of innovation in the context of SMEs in the service sector. This study follows qualitative research with 21 SMEs in Kosovo from the service sector. Using NVivo software, our findings suggest that the main drivers of innovation are innovation budget, employees’ skills, top management support and dealing with employees’ resistance to change. On the other hand, the main challenges, which may impede SMEs to innovate comprise of cost-related factors, market conditions, as well as lack of skilled human resources. The results imply that human skills and technology acquisition, as well as government policies are important contextual factors to improve SMEs’ innovation performance.
Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; innovation; service industry; Kosovo; qualitative study.