Innovation Strategy Formulation Supported by ISO 56000: Public Organization Experiences

Abstract

This paper addresses the innovation strategy formulation in public sector organizations. Specifically, it focuses on the innovation strategy formulation process, document output and the support ISO56000 innovation management standards provide for such a formulation process. Therefore, this paper presents a case study in a Swedish municipality formulating an innovation strategy. As a result, the paper describes the two main innovation strategy formulation phases: the experimental pre-phase and the emergent strategy phase with its sub-phases and the contributing actor-stakeholders. Furthermore, it reveals the areas where the innovation management standards supported the innovation strategy formulation process and its output. Moreover, the paper illustrates the challenges the political-administrative nature of organizing in the public sector causes for innovation work. The paper contributes to the literature on strategic management, especially public sector innovation management literature regarding innovation strategy planning and innovation management standard use in a municipal context.