Build a repeatable, sustainable, systematic
innovation management system.
IRDG has pioneered the design and development of ISO 56000 courses in Ireland. As innovation management professionalises, IRDG is helping member companies build the foundations and processes for it. We have two formal programmes running at the moment.
Booking opens on IRDG's events platform.
In practice
Apply the learning to your own organisation.
Bring an innovation challenge from your organisation. Use the sessions to examine your current approach, compare experience with peers and plan your next steps.
The two programmes
Where to start, and where to go next.
Both are for leaders and innovation champions. The difference is whether you are putting a system in place or improving one you already run.
Foundations for Strategic Innovation
Who it is for. Leaders and innovation champions developing innovation leadership capability, guiding teams and building an innovation culture.
What it does. Develop a shared view of your organisation's current approach to innovation, identify priorities and build a plan for improvement. The programme combines structured learning, peer discussion and support as you apply it. Aligned to ISO 56001, so the work supports a management system rather than sitting beside one.
Next cohort. Five sessions from 13 October to 24 November 2026: the first and last in person in Dublin, the middle three online. Facilitated by Magnus Karlsson and Sean McNulty. Fees and booking are on the booking page.
Accelerating Strategic Innovation
Who it is for. Leaders and innovation champions who already have an innovation management approach and want to improve decisions, portfolio management and delivery.
What it does. Builds on an existing innovation management approach: sharpening how decisions get made, how portfolios are managed, and how innovation activity connects to the strategy it is supposed to serve.
The next cohort is not yet open for booking. Register interest below and the programmes team will contact you when dates are set.
At a glance
Foundations for Strategic Innovation.
As published for the October–November 2026 cohort.
- Who it is for
- Leaders and innovation champions developing innovation leadership capability
- Current status
- Booking open for the cohort starting 13 October 2026; information sessions and alumni events are listed below as they are scheduled
- Format
- Five sessions: the first and last in person in Dublin, the middle three online
- Dates
- 13 October to 24 November 2026
- Facilitators
- Magnus Karlsson and Sean McNulty
- What you take away
- A shared view of your organisation's current approach to innovation, agreed priorities and a plan for improvement
- Standard
- Aligned to ISO 56001; taking part is not certification
- Fee
- Skillnet-supported rates for eligible companies; the fee is stated on the booking page
- Recognition
- Assessment, completion requirements and any CPD hours are stated on the booking page
- Contact
- Bernadette McGahon, Director of Innovation Services Ask about the programmes
For booking help or to discuss access requirements, contact IRDG before the event. Contact the programme team with questions about attendance records or certificates.
Upcoming dates
Foundations sessions open for booking.
No Foundations date is listed just now.
See the events calendar for forthcoming briefings, or contact IRDG about this topic.
The standard
How the programmes relate to ISO 56001.
A system, not a campaign
ISO 56001 describes an innovation management system — policy, objectives, roles, process, measurement and improvement. It is the difference between innovation being someone's enthusiasm and it being how the organisation operates.
A route towards certification
The programmes help participants understand how their organisation's approach relates to ISO 56001 and identify areas for further work. IRDG does not audit or certify — that is done by an accredited certification body.
A shared language
Members working to the same standard can compare practice usefully. That is what makes the peer-challenge element of these programmes work rather than being a discussion group.
Certification, and IRDG's boundary
We build the capability; we do not certify it.
IRDG supports organisations building innovation management capability. Certification to ISO 56001 is carried out by an accredited certification body, not by IRDG. Dell Technologies' Cork manufacturing operation is certified to ISO 56001 — the first Dell site worldwide, certified under the NSAI–APCER partnership — and IRDG's support began with Foundations for Strategic Innovation.
Ask about this programme
Tell us where the organisation is now and we will say which programme fits — including if the answer is neither yet. Your enquiry goes to Bernadette McGahon, Director of Innovation Services, who runs both programmes.