Innovation Management System for Italian SMEs

The literature agrees that successful innovation often comes from SMEs because of their flexibility and adaptability. However, the lack of strategic resources may hinder the innovation efforts of SMEs leading them to inconsistent results. This study defines an Innovation Management System (IMS), a structured approach to managing innovation, as a key element that ensures strategic alignment and resource optimization, supporting SMEs in their innovation efforts. This work deepens the crucial role of consultancy companies in supporting SMEs to quickly adopt an IMS and tailor it to specific requirements. Adopting an IMS compliant with the ISO 56001 standard entails a deep knowledge of innovation management practices, which can be quickly gathered from consultancy companies. This research describes in detail all the steps and tools that a consulting company requires to effectively support SMEs in implementing and maintaining an IMS. Moreover, this work also analyzes how the implementation of the IMS has the potential to strengthen the relationship between the company and the consultant in securing strategic resources for innovation activities. The IMS service can therefore be considered as an enabler of future services for the consultancy company and a strategic way to increase its retention rate. Lastly, this study identified the low desirability of an IMS as a key challenge in providing this service, as it remains voluntary and lacks the immediate benefits of compliance-based standards like ISO 9001. To increase adoption, the study recommends awareness-building initiatives, financial incentives, and a focus on long-term business advantages. Ultimately, this research provides theoretical and practical contributions, offering a roadmap for SMEs to institutionalize innovation management while equipping consultants with strategies to accelerate IMS adoption and enhance market acceptance.