The project INNOVATE set out to strengthen the capacity of European Vocational Enterprises (EVEs), including SMEs, start-ups and VET providers, to respond to rapid labour market change through agile, structured innovation management based on the ISO 56000 approach. It embedded innovation as a practical management capability within the vocational sector to reinforce quality and resilience, and to support VET as a driver for innovation and a foundation for greener, digital and sustainable growth. The objectives were to connect EVEs more closely to innovation, strengthening performance and adaptability; equip them with concrete innovation processes to meet evolving market needs more effectively; and modernise management practices by integrating digitally supported innovation processes and tools. These objectives aligned with priorities on innovation in VET, labour market relevance and digital transformation through improved readiness, resilience and capacity. They were delivered through a European Whitepaper, a practical Manual, an online Training Module, and an Innovation Acceleration Programme, developed and validated through transnational cooperation for relevance and transferability.
The partnership was formed in response to the growing pressure faced by many European vocational enterprises, particularly SMEs, to transition from ISO 9001 quality management to ISO 56000 innovation management. While ISO 9001 had become the expected baseline for demonstrating capability, its revisions showed that standards and stakeholder expectations were changing rapidly. Linked to the SDGs, the ISO 56000 series introduced a shift in management practice by integrating quality into systematic innovation. However, with limited leadership time and multiple guidance documents, many enterprises lacked the capacity to interpret the standard, translate it into day-to-day processes, and develop the relevant skills of their staff. The project therefore addressed the need for clear, practical guidance and training resources to strengthen innovation readiness, support organisational adaptation and improve skills, creativity and collaboration with external partners. This responded to labour-market needs and contributed to the “New European Innovation Agenda”.