- The upcoming ISO 56012 standard, which will define international best practices for innovation ecosystem management, was the focus of a working session held today at Málaga TechPark
Málaga TechPark has been proposed as an inspiring use case for the future ISO 56012 Standard on Innovation Ecosystem Management. This guideline is currently under development by the ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 279 on Innovation Management. Alongside international benchmarks such as Silicon Valley (USA) and the Haier ecosystem (China), Málaga TechPark stands out as a model for collaborative innovation involving businesses, institutions, and the academic community.
To mark this milestone, the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE), in collaboration with Málaga TechPark, hosted a workshop designed for companies within the park’s ecosystem. The current progress of the ISO 56012 development process and other international initiatives for standardizing innovation management were presented in this session.
The event took place at the Green Lemon space and brought together standardization experts, institutional representatives, and key stakeholders from the local ecosystem, including representatives from Málaga TechPark companies and the University of Málaga.
During the session, Felipe Romera, General Director of Málaga TechPark, emphasized the strategic role of standards as a tool to elevate Málaga’s work to an international level.
“International standards are key to strengthening the competitiveness of innovation ecosystems. Being part of their development allows us to align our efforts with global best practices and to shape the future of innovation,” said Romera.
Fernando Utrilla, Head of the R&D&I, and Belén Suárez, Chair of the UNE Committee on Research, Technological Development and Innovation (CTN-UNE-166), delivered a presentation on the future ISO 56012 standard and the value of ISO standards in dynamic and constantly changing business environments.
“Spain should take particular pride in innovation management standards, as we were global pioneers in their development, implementation, and certification since 2002,” affirmed Utrilla. He also highlighted the importance of Spanish entities participating in standardization processes as a way to strengthen their international leadership and stay at the forefront of technology and management practices.
Suárez provided an overview of the ISO 56000 family of standards on innovation management, explaining the role, importance, and benefits of each, with a particular focus on the upcoming guideline for innovation ecosystem management.
In a later discussion, the Málaga TechPark case was analyzed as an example in shared governance, talent attraction, and the creation of economic and social value through innovation.
The meeting concluded with a definition of next steps, the identification of new standardization needs from participating companies, and the networking cocktail.
This event is part of the lead-up to the international ISO/TC 279 Committee meeting, which will be held at Málaga TechPark on July 8, 9, and 10. Hosting this global meeting consolidates Málaga TechPark’s role as a leading hub for building effective, sustainable, and competitive innovation ecosystems and strengthens Spain’s position as a leader in international standardization.