The self-assessment methodology and tool described here has been structured around the ISO 56000 international standard for Innovation Management. It also includes elements of an Open Innovation approach. The methodology is built around a questionnaire to be completed by NRAs to establish their current and future status, capability and ambitions with regard to innovation and technology.

The self-assessment methodology and tool are structured into four workstreams: strategy, planning, development, and implementation. Individual NRAs would review the questionnaire and tool, identify individuals or teams in the organisation to be involved in the self-assessment process, complete the questionnaire, evaluate the responses, and develop a roadmap to improve innovation in the organisation. Responsibility should also be assigned to driving the implementation of the roadmap forward, and for regular re-assessment of the organisation as part of a process of continuous improvement.

It is envisaged that the self-assessment methodology and tool will help NRAs understand at what level the organisation’s current practice is compared to best practice. Whilst such a tool is primarily intended for self-assessment, it can also be used to compare the ability of CEDR NRAs to adopt new technologies and identify advanced authorities that can support the improvement of those that are less innovative. Hence the tool can also provide an indication of where any differences among NRAs lie.