The new standard for innovation management systems : A comparative study of Volvo Construction Equipment's innovation management system and CEN/TS standardized innovation management system

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to analyze Volvo CE´s current innovation management strategy and compare it with the European Committee for Standardization´s (CENT/TS) standardized innovation management system. The study can be helpful for the organization to understand the gap between their current management system and the recommendations found in the CEN/TS innovation management system. A qualitative research methodology with a deductive approach combined with action research has been used to answer and fulfill the research question and purpose of this study. Our theoretical framework will introduce the five areas presented in CEN/TS IMS (2013) and describe their content more detailed with help from theoretical frameworks related to these areas. We will also consider other theorist's perspectives and compare their thoughts, description and models with what is been described in the CEN/TS regarding these five areas.Empiricism: Interviews with three of Volvo CE´s innovation coaches has been made to gain an understanding about the current status of the company´s innovation management strategies related to the requirements the five areas mentioned within CEN/TS IMS. In the Analysis section, a gap analysis has been made between Volvo CE´s current innovation management strategies and the requirements of the CEN/TS IMS for each area covered by this study. Overall, we think that Volvo CE have a good potential to develop a fully functional IMS in accordance with the requirements of CEN/TS 16555-1 into their organization with their current innovation management model as a starting point to build upon, and by following the references and recommendations provided by this study, the company has great chances in succeed with this mission