Standards Comparison

    COBIT

    Voluntary
    2019

    Global framework for enterprise IT governance and management

    VS

    ISO 56002

    Voluntary
    2019

    International guidance for innovation management systems

    Quick Verdict

    COBIT provides I&T governance frameworks for enterprise risk management and value creation, while ISO 56002 offers innovation management system guidance for systematic value realization. Organizations adopt COBIT for IT alignment and ISO 56002 to structure innovation processes.

    IT Governance

    COBIT

    COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Tailors governance via 11 design factors and workflow
    • Defines 40 objectives across 5 domains EDM-APO-BAI-DSS-MEA
    • CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance management
    • Separates governance (EDM) from management responsibilities
    • Goals cascade links stakeholder needs to IT metrics
    Innovation Management

    ISO 56002

    ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system — Guidance

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • PDCA-aligned management system framework
    • Leadership commitment and policy requirements
    • Portfolio governance and uncertainty management
    • Performance evaluation with KPIs and audits
    • Tool-agnostic, adaptable to all organizations

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    COBIT Details

    What It Is

    COBIT 2019 is a comprehensive framework for enterprise governance and management of information and technology (EGIT), developed by ISACA. It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored, holistic approach using design factors and a goals cascade.

    Key Components

    • 40 governance and management objectives grouped into 5 domains: EDM (governance), APO (strategy), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
    • 6 governance system principles and 7 components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
    • CMMI-based performance management with capability levels 0-5.
    • No formal certification; focuses on capability assessments and audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Aligns IT with business value, optimizes resources, manages risks.
    • Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR) and integrates with ISO 27001, ITIL.
    • Builds board-level oversight, reduces incidents, enhances agility.
    • Boosts stakeholder trust through measurable outcomes.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: assess gaps, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, monitor via MEA.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries; training (Foundation, Design) essential.
    • Involves RACI, KPIs, change management; audits for assurance.

    ISO 56002 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard titled Innovation management — Innovation management system — Guidance. It provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). The primary purpose is to enable organizations to manage innovation systematically for value creation. It uses a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle aligned with ISO's High-Level Structure (HLS).

    Key Components

    • Seven core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leadership, strategic direction, culture, etc.
    • No prescriptive requirements or tools; focuses on governance and processes.
    • Conformity via self-assessment or third-party audits; not formally certifiable (ISO 56001 for requirements).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives strategic innovation alignment and portfolio governance.
    • Manages uncertainty and reduces 'zombie projects'.
    • Enhances competitiveness, stakeholder trust, and integration with standards like ISO 9001.
    • Voluntary adoption for risk mitigation and growth.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: diagnosis, design, pilot, scale, sustain.
    • Involves gap analysis, policy development, training, KPIs.
    • Applicable to all sizes/sectors; tailored for established organizations.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    COBIT
    Enterprise I&T governance and management
    ISO 56002
    Innovation management system

    Industry

    COBIT
    All industries, enterprise-wide IT
    ISO 56002
    All sectors, any organization size

    Nature

    COBIT
    Voluntary governance framework
    ISO 56002
    Voluntary guidance standard

    Testing

    COBIT
    Capability assessments (0-5 levels)
    ISO 56002
    Internal audits, management reviews

    Penalties

    COBIT
    No legal penalties
    ISO 56002
    No legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about COBIT and ISO 56002

    COBIT FAQ

    ISO 56002 FAQ

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