Corporate Innovation Assessment — Oslo Manual

Product Innovation

The Oslo Manual defines a product innovation as "a new or improved good or service that differs significantly from the firm’s previous goods or services and that has been introduced on the market." This includes new-to-firm or new-to-market products and improvements in design, features or performance.

In the past period (e.g. 3 years), our firm has introduced one or more significantly new or improved products (goods or services).

The products introduced differ significantly from our previous offerings (in technology, features or performance).

These products deliver significant improvements (quality, efficiency, user benefit) over prior versions.

The new/improved products have been fully implemented and offered to customers (not just piloted).

Process • Organizational • Marketing

This section evaluates how firms introduce and apply new or significantly improved processes, organizational methods, and marketing practices to enhance efficiency, management, and market reach. It captures innovations in operations, workplace structures, and promotional or distribution strategies, reflecting the broader scope of business process innovation in the Oslo Manual.

Our firm has implemented new or significantly upgraded production/service processes or delivery methods.

These process innovations have resulted in lower unit cost, faster throughput, or higher reliability.

We have adopted new organizational methods or practices (e.g. lean management, agile teams, strategic management practices) in the past period.

The firm introduced significant changes in workplace organization or human resource management (e.g. team structures, incentive schemes, training programs).

We have introduced new marketing strategies or brand campaigns (e.g. unique advertising, social media, new brand concepts).

We have adopted new pricing models or new distribution channels (e.g. e‑commerce launch, subscription pricing, alternative sales networks).

Capabilities & Activities

Examines the internal resources, competencies, and structured efforts that enable a firm to generate and implement innovations. It covers leadership commitment, workforce skills, R&D and design activities, and the presence of systematic management practices—factors that together determine the organization’s capacity to sustain and scale innovation over time.

Measures the extent to which senior leadership actively prioritizes, funds, and embeds innovation within the firm’s overall strategy and governance.

Assesses the organization’s investment in developing employee capabilities, fostering innovation-related skills, and providing continuous learning opportunities.

Captures resources and structured activities dedicated to research, experimental development, and knowledge creation for new or improved products and processes.

Evaluates efforts toward design thinking, prototyping, and testing that translate ideas into practical, market-ready solutions.

Reflects the use of systematic approaches, tools, and processes (e.g., stage-gate, agile sprints, innovation portfolios) to manage and monitor innovation activities.

Knowledge Flows & Open Innovation

How an organization sources, shares, and leverages knowledge beyond its own boundaries. It emphasizes systematic engagement with external stakeholders—such as customers, suppliers, research institutions, and industry partners—to co-create value. This includes structured market and technology scanning, collaborative problem-solving, and joint development initiatives that accelerate innovation, reduce risks, and ensure solutions are aligned with real-world needs.

Ongoing partnerships with universities, startups, research institutions, or industry peers to share knowledge and drive joint innovation.

Continuous monitoring and structured analysis of emerging market trends, technologies, and competitor activities to inform innovation strategy.

Active involvement of customers and suppliers in the innovation process, from ideation to development, to create solutions that meet real-world needs.

External Environment

Captures the external factors influencing an organization’s capacity and need to innovate, including market reach, competitive dynamics, and available external support.

The breadth of the organization’s market presence, from serving local/domestic markets to competing on a global scale.

The extent to which competition drives the organization to adopt new products, services, or processes to remain relevant.

The availability of external resources such as government funding, shared infrastructure, and industry standards that facilitate innovation.

Outcomes & Impact

Measures the tangible results and effectiveness of innovation activities, including financial returns, operational improvements, and alignment with strategic goals.

he proportion of sales generated from newly introduced products or services, indicating market success of innovation.

The extent to which innovations have improved efficiency by reducing costs, saving time, or streamlining operations.

How well the organization’s innovation outcomes align with its stated goals, targets, and strategic priorities.