ABB strengthens innovation management with certification from DNV

ABB is among the first organizations worldwide to achieve certification to ISO 56001, the international standard for innovation management systems. The certification, the first issued by DNV in Italy, confirms ABB’s structured approach to managing innovation and its ability to consistently develop technologies that support the global energy transition.

DNV’s recent global survey highlights a clear gap between innovation ambition and organizational maturity, with only a minority managing innovation through structured frameworks. ABB stands out in this landscape, having implemented a structured innovation management system aligned with ISO 56001.

The assessment, formally recognized during a ceremony at ABB’s Bergamo facility in Italy, confirmed that ABB has established processes to systematically identify emerging challenges, collaborate across its ecosystem, and translate innovation activities into measurable business outcomes. It also validated ABB’s ability to manage the full innovation lifecycle, from identifying opportunities to implementation and value creation, supported by close collaboration with universities, research centers, customers, and industry partners.

In a rapidly evolving market, innovation must be managed systematically,

• Massimo Alvaro, Chief Executive Officer, Business Assurance Italy at DNV.

“ISO 56001 provides a framework for governing the entire innovation lifecycle. Our assessment confirmed ABB’s ability to manage innovation in a structured way while effectively engaging customers and partners within a complex ecosystem. The certification demonstrates a commitment to innovation that is technological, strategic, and aligned with sustainability objectives,” Alvaro continues.

The certification also highlights ABB’s organizational culture, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration and the active involvement of employees in innovation processes. The assessment found that ABB enables its workforce to contribute directly to technological and strategic development across the Group.

This certification reflects how our teams work every day together with customers and partners to solve complex challenges

• Ruben Ferraresi, Business Development and Technology Innovation Leader at ABB Electrification.

“ISO 56001 recognizes the systems we have in place to transform ideas into technologies that accelerate the energy transition and deliver measurable impact for data centers, renewable energy operators, and industrial customers,” Ferraresi adds.

DNV’s evaluation emphasized the importance of ABB’s broader innovation ecosystem, including customers, suppliers, partners, and academic institutions. This collaborative network supports the development of solutions designed for an energy system transitioning toward greater sustainability, efficiency, and resilience.

ABB Electrification develops technology that enables the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity. The company collaborates with customers and partners to solve energy challenges, accelerating the energy transition and digital revolution.

Through ISO 56001 certification, ABB strengthens its capability to anticipate market needs and convert innovation into long-term value for customers, industry, and society, further strengthening its role in advancing electrification and automation for a more sustainable and resilient energy system.