Innovation Way

What Innovation Way does

Innovation Way is a French business consulting firm founded in 2017 as a spin-off from the ERPI research laboratory at the Université de Lorraine, headquartered in Pont-à-Mousson, France. The company helps enterprises, public-sector bodies, consulting firms, and academic institutions build, evaluate, and improve their Innovation Management Systems (IMS) using a methodology grounded in the ISO 56000 Series standards. Its founder and CEO Johan Claire has served as President of ISO TC 279 (Innovation Management) since January 2022, giving the firm direct influence over the global standards framework on which its products are built.

The firm's commercial offering is an integrated suite of ISO 56000-aligned tools. The MIMS® Assessment is an online diagnostic based on 35 questions at five maturity levels, powered by a proprietary multi-criteria algorithm combining over 2,000 parameters to generate editable evaluation and recommendation reports. L'Année de l'Innovation® is a serious game deployed in five languages with 300+ cumulative placements across all continents. Management Systématique de l'Innovation is a 14-module e-learning programme co-developed with Swedish partner Amplify AB and available in French, English, and Chinese. Attributs®, launched in 2026, is a physical gamified card tool for qualifying and enriching innovation concepts. These products are complemented by a catalogue of six in-company training modules and a consulting and keynote practice delivered through direct enterprise engagement and international organisations including ISO, the United Nations, the African Union, and WIPO.

Revenue is generated across five streams: subscription software (MIMS® tiers at €990–€1,990+/year), subscription e-learning (Solo at €500/year, plus custom team and enterprise tiers), one-time licensing of the Attributs® card game in lots of 10/50/100+ (€500–€4,000 HT), in-company training courses priced at €1,200–€4,500 per session, and bespoke consulting engagements offered in one-time, programme, or recurrent formats. Distribution combines self-serve SaaS onboarding for digital products with a global partner network — Amplify AB (Sweden), IIPA (China, exclusive), MT Consulting (Oman/MENA), Curlabs (Nordic Europe), and Vianeo (France) — that extends reach across continents without proportional headcount cost. The company remains entirely bootstrapped, structured as a SAS with €12,750 of capital and 1–10 employees, and discloses no external funding rounds.

Name

Innovation Way

Legal name

INNOVATION WAY, SAS

Website

https://innovation-way.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Innovation Way is a French consulting firm that helps enterprises, public bodies, and consulting firms build and assess Innovation Management Systems through proprietary diagnostic tools (MIMS®), serious games, e-learning, training, and consulting, all aligned with the ISO 56000 Series standards its CEO chairs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Management Consulting

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Innovation, Product & R&D Consulting (BPAHACAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations) (BPAEANAD), Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)

Keywords

• Innovation management consulting
• ISO 56000 training
• Innovation maturity assessment
• Innovation strategy services
• Serious game training

Headquarters

HQ city

Nancy

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consulting & Advisory Services: Fee-for-service consulting engagements for consulting firms (SMI structuring), enterprises (SMI implementation), and public/policy actors (ecosystem mapping). Offered in three formats: one-time (punctual), programme (multi-action), and recurrent (regular accompaniment at 1-3 or 3-6 days per month).
2. In-Company Training Courses: Customised in-company training delivered exclusively intra-enterprise across 6 modules covering IMS adaptation, innovation processes, innovation strategies, portfolio management, European project innovation, and L'Année de l'Innovation® facilitator certification. Pricing ranges from €1,200–€4,500 per session.
3. E-Learning Programme Subscriptions: Annual subscription access to the 14-module 'Management Systématique de l'Innovation' e-learning programme. Three tiers: Solo (€500/year for individual consultants), Equipe (custom pricing for teams), Sur-mesure (custom pricing for large enterprises). Access duration is 1 year from subscription.
4. MIMS® Assessment Platform Subscriptions: Annual subscription to the MIMS® online diagnostic platform with three tiers: Starter (€990/year, up to 25 diagnostics), Advanced (€1,990/year, up to 50 diagnostics), Expert (custom pricing, unlimited diagnostics, full customisation). Reports provided in PDF or editable .docx format.
5. Attributs® Card Game Sales: One-time purchase of physical card game sets (10, 50, or 100+ units) with usage licence. Pricing: €500 HT for 10 games, €2,250 HT for 50 games, €4,000 HT for 100+ games. Additional options include graphic customisation, content customisation, and additional language packs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Innovation Way helps organisations understand, evaluate, and improve their Innovation Management System (IMS) by selling an integrated suite of ISO 56000-aligned tools and services. Its commercial offerings include the MIMS® online diagnostic assessment (subscription SaaS), the 'Management Systématique de l'Innovation' 14-module e-learning programme (annual subscription), the L'Année de l'Innovation® serious game, the Attributs® gamified card tool, customisable in-company training courses across six IMS themes, and fee-for-service consulting and keynote engagements delivered in three engagement formats (one-time, programme, recurrent).

Product overview

Innovation Way offers a portfolio of innovation management tools and services centered on the ISO 56000 Series standards. Its core offerings include three interconnected products: (1) the MIMS® Assessment — an online diagnostic tool measuring IMS maturity via a 35-question, 5-level framework with an algorithm generating editable reports; (2) the Management Systématique de l'Innovation e-learning program — a 14-module, 40-hour training developed with Swedish partner Amplify AB, covering all key IMS themes and available in French, English, and Chinese; (3) the serious game L'Année de l'Innovation® — a training simulation deployed in 5 languages on all continents; and (4) the gamified tool Attributs® — a card-based tool for defining, qualifying, and enriching innovation concepts, aligned with ISO 56000. These are complemented by consulting and keynote services, facilitator certification for L'Année de l'Innovation®, and six in-company training courses covering IMS adaptation, innovation processes, strategy, portfolio management, European projects, and Design Thinking/Agile methods.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MIMS® Assessment: Online diagnostic tool based on 35 questions at 5 levels measuring the maturity of an organization's Innovation Management System (IMS), based on ISO 56002. Generates automated evaluation and recommendation reports.
• L'Année de l'Innovation®
• Attributs®
• Management Systématique de l'Innovation

Products and services

• MIMS® Assessment Online SaaS diagnostic tool that measures the maturity of an organisation's Innovation Management System (IMS). Built on 35 questions across 5 maturity levels based on ISO 56002, it uses a proprietary multi-criteria algorithm combining over 2,000 parameters to generate instant, editable evaluation and recommendation reports (5 indicators: capacity to generate ideas, capacity to concretise ideas, capacity to add value, capacity to handle uncertainty, and ISO 56002 alignment rate). Available in French, English, and Spanish via three annual subscription tiers (Starter €990, Advanced €1,990, Expert custom).
• L'Année de l'Innovation® Serious Game A serious game designed for training purposes that simulates the building and development of an Innovation Management System. Played by teams of 3, it provides multi-level reading and uses physical cards and game boards. More than 300 game sets have been deployed globally in 5 languages. Used both as a standalone training tool and as a core component of IMS training courses.
• Management Systématique de l'Innovation E-Learning Programme 14-module, 40-hour online training programme on Systematic Innovation Management, based on ISO 56002, developed in partnership with Swedish firm Amplify AB. Delivered via elearning.innovation-way.com with annual subscription tiers (Solo €500/year for individual consultants, Equipe custom for teams, Sur-mesure custom for large enterprises). Available in French, English, and Chinese; Sur-mesure tier integrates with corporate LMS.
• Attributs® Gamified Card Tool Physical card-based gamified tool with 6 attribute categories (Entity, Degree of Novelty, Beneficiary, Value for Beneficiary, Value for Project Carrier, Scope) directly aligned with ISO 56000 terminology. Sold in lots of 10 (€500 HT), 50 (€2,250 HT), and 100+ (€4,000 HT) card sets with usage licence. Optional graphic customisation, content customisation, and additional language packs. Available in French and English. Used operationally to qualify concepts and strategically to formulate innovation intent.
• Consulting & Keynotes Fee-for-service advisory and keynote engagements supporting the implementation of Innovation Management Systems. Includes strategic direction support, team training, competency audits, process design, governance/role definition, benchmarking, ecosystem mapping, and international keynote speaking. Delivered exclusively via direct engagement to enterprises, public organisations, and consulting firms on all continents, including engagements for ISO, the United Nations, the African Union, and WIPO.
• Animateur L'Année de l'Innovation® Facilitator Certification

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 300 serious games deployed globally in 5 languages
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Amplify ABcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish consulting and training company specialising in innovation management knowledge and skills development. Amplify AB contributed to the drafting of ISO 56002 and ISO 56001. Innovation Way co-developed the French version of Amplify's 'Systematic Innovation Management' e-learning programme and distributes it in France, leveraging their shared conviction that the IMS concept must spread throughout the innovation ecosystem.
• IMSPP - IIPA (Innovation & IP Academy, Beijing Guozhihe)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit organisation focused on developing and promoting international standards in innovation management and intellectual property. IIPA has supported nearly 300 Chinese enterprises. IIPA serves as Innovation Way's exclusive partner for deployment of its products (MIMS®, L'Année de l'Innovation®, Attributs®) on Chinese territory, adapting tools to local language and business culture.
• MT ConsultingsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOman-based consulting firm specialised in innovation management system development. MT Consulting shares the conviction that a systemic approach is useful for all organisations in all regions, while respecting cultural context. They deploy Innovation Way tools across North Africa and the Middle East (MENA region).
• Curlabs ABsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish company specialised in IMS development and digital transition support, with particular expertise in applying ISO 56002 in the public sector. Curlabs supports deployment of Innovation Way products in Northern Europe and beyond, and contributes expertise for public sector missions and Hackathon-type strategic events.
• VianeosecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench company specialising in innovation management (project management and portfolio piloting) and a digital platform for innovation management. Vianeo and Innovation Way share complementary approaches — Vianeo focuses on project execution while Innovation Way focuses on the broader Innovation Management System — making natural collaboration on joint client engagements.
• Traduction-graphique.fr (Marie-Lys Errard)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFreelance facilitation and graphic design expert whose talent translates any content into pedagogical and impactful illustrations. Marie-Lys Errard contributed to the development of L'Année de l'Innovation® and continues to be a key partner for product development and live illustration work during trainings, workshops, and conferences.
• ISPIM (International Society for Professional Innovation Management)coreOthersInternational professional community bringing together members from research, industry, consulting, and public sectors who share a passion for innovation management. ISPIM is structured through Special Interest Groups including one focused on the Innovation Management Body of Knowledge. Innovation Way actively participates in ISPIM to develop and showcase its expertise and contribute to the global IMS knowledge community.
• IMS Network (coordinated by Japan Innovation Network)coreOthersInternational network coordinated by the Japan Innovation Network (JIN) — a non-profit whose primary mission is to support the success of Japanese companies' innovation activities. The network aims to gather organisations committed to systematic innovation management and the deployment of IMS, sharing knowledge and expertise to accelerate IMS adoption for societal value creation. Innovation Way is an active member.
• AFNOR-CN INNOV (French national mirror committee of ISO TC 279)coreOthersThe French standardisation commission dedicated to innovation management. CN INNOV has approximately 40 members (professors, enterprise innovation managers, consultants, research centre representatives, consular and institutional representatives). Its mission is to define and defend French positions in the development of ISO 56000 Series standards. CEO Johan Claire has been President of CN INNOV since 1 January 2021.
• WIPO — Global Innovation Index Advisory BoardcoreOthersThe Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual initiative of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) ranking the most innovative economies and identifying leading scientific and technological innovation hubs. The GII Advisory Board advises on the strategic direction of the GII. CEO Johan Claire was appointed to represent the ISO Secretary-General on the GII Advisory Board, linking Innovation Way to global innovation policy leadership.
• ACI (Association des Conseils en Innovation)secondaryOthersFrench association of innovation consulting firms that brings together and represents French companies engaged in innovation consulting. ACI encourages knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and foresight among members. Innovation Way is particularly active within the commission gathering consulting actors interested in IMS strategy and systems topics.
• ISO TC 279 — Innovation ManagementcoreOthersThe international standardisation committee dedicated to innovation management, responsible for developing the ISO 56000 Series standards. The committee has more than 300 experts from over 75 countries. CEO Johan Claire has been President of ISO TC 279 since 1 January 2022. Innovation Way's deep engagement in ISO TC 279 since its founding gives it unparalleled access to and influence over the development of global IMS standards.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ABGi France: French innovation consulting firm actively involved in SMI normalization work and a user of Innovation Way's tools; competes for similar consulting mandates from French enterprises and public agencies.
• Curlabs AB: Swedish firm specializing in IMS development and digital transition support per ISO 56002; a declared co-development partner of Innovation Way deploying the same tool stack in Northern Europe. Direct overlap in product line, methodology, and target customer.
• Amplify AB: Swedish innovation-management training firm that co-authored the e-learning programme distributed by Innovation Way; contributor to ISO 56002 drafting. Same IMS content niche, same buyer profile of innovation leaders and consultants.
• Vianeo: French platform for innovation project and portfolio management; complementary scope to Innovation Way's IMS offering. Targets the same enterprise innovation leaders in France and uses overlapping methodologies.
• Strategos: Global innovation strategy consulting firm (Gary Getz); comparable as a boutique consultancy focused on helping enterprises build repeatable innovation capabilities rather than deliver projects.
• Ayming: French innovation and performance consulting firm; a declared client of Innovation Way's MIMS® diagnostic and serious games and a recognized competitor for French enterprise IMS advisory engagements.

Regional players

• MT Consulting: Oman-based innovation management consulting firm and channel partner for Innovation Way across the MENA region; deploys the same tool stack with cultural localization. Directly comparable offering, regional rather than global.

Broad incumbents

• Innosight (Huron): Established innovation strategy consultancy founded by Clayton Christensen, now part of Huron; broader advisory portfolio targeting large enterprises on innovation transformation — comparable buyer profile but at far greater scale.
• Arthur D. Little: Global management consultancy with a dedicated innovation practice serving large multinationals on innovation strategy and management; overlaps with Innovation Way in enterprise IMS advisory but at significantly larger scale.
• Planview: Provider of enterprise innovation portfolio management software (Planview IdeaPlace, Planview AdaptiveWork); comparable as an established SaaS vendor in the innovation management tooling category where Innovation Way competes with MIMS®.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/innovation-way-fr
• Xx.com/Innovation_Way_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Innovation Way