What Japan Innovation Network does

Japan Innovation Network (JIN) is a Tokyo-based general incorporated association (非営利型の一般社団法人) founded in July 2013 to address the inability of large existing organizations to systematically generate innovation. Since 2015 it has served as Japan's sole domestic review body for ISO Technical Committee 279, making it the exclusive Japanese representative in the international development of the ISO 56000 series standards (ISO 56002 published 2019; ISO 56001 published September 2024) for Innovation Management Systems. JIN's core intellectual property is the IMS (Innovation Management System) framework, which it positions as an 'organizational capability' paradigm distinct from control-oriented management standards such as ISO 9000, 14000, or 27000, supported by a proprietary practice framework called 'IMS Compass.'

JIN's commercial offerings center on three flagship programs: IMSAP (Innovation Management System Acceleration Program), which guides enterprises through recognition, design, construction, implementation, and maturation of an ISO 56001/56002-aligned IMS; IMP (Innovation Management Professional) capability development program, a cohort-based professional certification; and SHIP (SDGs Holistic Innovation Platform), an open-innovation platform originally co-founded with UNDP in 2016 and now operated solely by JIN since April 2023. Supporting programs include IMSAP Studio (digital learning content), the IM Lab consortium established in August 2025 with Tokyo University of Science, the IMS Global Learning Initiative launched June 2026 with KTH (Sweden) and Amplify (Sweden), and a portfolio of Japanese-language publications (the Amply ISO 56001 support tool series and introductory handbooks) distributed via the Japan Standards Association.

Revenue is generated through a mix of fee-based professional education programs (IMSAP, IMP), event hosting and sponsorships (IMS SUMMIT at ¥5,000–¥20,000 per attendee; IM Lab Open Days at ¥20,000 per person), publication sales through JSA (¥1,000–¥35,000 per title), and project coordination services for the UNDP Japan SDGs Innovation Challenge, where participating Japanese companies receive a $40,000 USD activity fee plus travel support. GTM is event-driven and sales-led, anchored by a monthly JIN Open Innovation Dialogue Series (free, drawing 30–480+ participants), the annual IMS SUMMIT, and earned media coverage in Mainichi Shimbun, Biz/Zine, and Logmi Business. JIN serves 70+ large Japanese enterprise clients including Hitachi, Sony, NEC, Olympus, Shimadzu, Canon, Daikin, Shiseido, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and JR West, alongside international partners spanning Sweden, Belgium, Finland, the UK, the US, Austria, and Denmark. The TCI Network partnership (March 2026) extends JIN's reach as the network's official Asia chapter contact point. Leadership transitioned in September 2025, with Taro Sengoku becoming Representative Director and Noboru Konno moving to Chairperson, joined by Seiko Shirasaka as a new Director.

Name

Japan Innovation Network

Legal name

、一般트업 Japan Innovation Network

Website

https://ji-network.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Japan Innovation Network (JIN) is a Tokyo-based nonprofit association serving as Japan's domestic ISO TC 279 mirror committee, helping large Japanese enterprises build systematic innovation capabilities through the IMSAP and IMP education programs, ISO 56000 implementation consulting, and international partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Management Consulting

NAICS

Other Computer Related Services (541519)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Systems Integration & Implementation Services (BPAEAAAB)

Keywords

• Innovation management consulting
• ISO 56000 implementation
• Innovation management system training
• Open innovation platforms
• Enterprise capability building

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional education programs (IMSAP, IMP): Fee-based training and certification programs that teach the ISO 56000-based Innovation Management System. Programs include the IMSAP Studio series (multi-cohort format) and the IMP professional development program. These represent a recurring, cohort-based revenue stream from enterprise clients.
2. Publications (books, guides, toolkits): JIN publishes and sells Japanese-language editions of ISO 56000 series guidance materials, introductory books, and implementation toolkits. Publications are sold through the Japan Standards Association (JSA). Pricing ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥35,000 per title.
3. Event hosting and sponsorships: JIN organizes the annual IMS SUMMIT, IM Lab Open Days, and other conferences. Events generate revenue through attendance fees and sponsorship. IMS SUMMIT 2024 charged ¥20,000 for in-person and ¥5,000 for online attendance. IM Lab Open Days #2 charged ¥20,000 per person.
4. UNDP project coordination services: JIN serves as a project facilitation partner for UNDP's Japan SDGs Innovation Challenge, providing coordination and support to Japanese companies participating in international development projects addressing sea-level rise in four countries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Japan Innovation Network (JIN) is a Japanese general incorporated association that provides professional services and programs around the ISO 56000 series Innovation Management System (IMS). Its core offerings include the IMSAP program to help enterprises design and implement IMS frameworks, the IMP certification program to train Innovation Management Professionals, and the SHIP open innovation platform connecting Japanese corporate technologies to SDGs challenges. JIN also publishes ISO 56000 implementation guides, operates the IM Lab consortium with Tokyo University of Science, and runs the SIMA recognition award.

Product overview

Japan Innovation Network (JIN) is a general incorporated association founded in July 2013 that serves as Japan's national body for ISO 56000 series standards and promotes systematic innovation management. JIN's core offerings consist of the IMSAP (Innovation Management System Acceleration Program) for helping organizations build ISO 56001/56002-aligned IMS frameworks, the IMP (Innovation Management Professional) capability development program for training IMS practitioners, and SHIP (SDGs Holistic Innovation Platform), an open innovation platform jointly operated with UNDP since 2016. Supporting programs include IMSAP Studio for interactive digital learning content, the IM Lab consortium (established with Tokyo University of Science in 2025) for ecosystem strategy practice, the IMS Network connecting organizations around IMS adoption, and the JIN Open Innovation Dialogue Series hosting monthly expert discussions. JIN also publishes ISO 56000 series materials including the Amply Series Japanese edition and introductory handbooks through the Japan Standards Association. In September 2025, JIN established the Systematic Innovation Management Award (SIMA) to recognize organizations demonstrating excellence in systematic innovation management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IMSAP (Innovation Management System Acceleration Program): Program supporting the construction and maturation of innovation management systems based on ISO 56000 series
• IMP (Innovation Management Professional) Capability Development Program
• SHIP (SDGs Holistic Innovation Platform)
• IM Lab
• IMS Global Learning Initiative
• IMS Network
• Executive Innovation Committee (EIC)
• Systematic Innovation Management Award (SIMA)

Products and services

• IMSAP (Innovation Management System Acceleration Program) A program that supports companies in designing and implementing an Innovation Management System (IMS) aligned with ISO 56001/56002 through recognition, understanding, design, construction, implementation, and achievement stages.
• IMP Capability Development Program A professional certification program that cultivates Innovation Management Professionals (IMP) who can systematically lead IMS implementation and operation within organizations, based on the ISO 56000 series curriculum.
• SHIP (SDGs Holistic Innovation Platform) An open innovation platform jointly established by JIN and UNDP in 2016, leveraging Japanese corporate technologies and know-how to achieve the SDGs (operated solely by JIN since April 2023).
• IMSAP Studio An interactive digital learning content platform that supports participants in implementing IMS through video-based dialogue sessions and hands-on exercises aligned with ISO 56001/56002 standards.
• IM Lab A joint consortium established in August 2025 by JIN and Tokyo University of Science to promote industry-academia-government collaboration on ecosystem strategy, serving as a community hub connecting education, research, and social implementation.
• Systematic Innovation Management Award (SIMA) An award program established in September 2025 to recognize companies, individuals, municipalities, research institutions, universities, and startups that practice systematic innovation management aligned with ISO 56000 series standards.
• ISO 56001 Amply Series Japanese Edition A Japanese-language publication suite edited and translated by JIN, consisting of four volumes: ISO 56001 Guidebook, Innovation Management Checklist, Innovation Management Assessment, and ISO 56001 Internal Audit Guide, distributed through the Japan Standards Association.
• Innovation Management System Handbook An introductory textbook on Innovation Management Systems (IMS) published by JIN through the Japan Standards Association, covering IMS fundamental principles including strategic direction, organizational culture, insight, and adaptability, aligned with ISO 56002:2019.

Quantifiable outcome

• JIN has represented Japan in ISO TC 279 since 2015 and contributed to the formation of all ISO 56000 series standards including ISO 56001 (published September 2024) and ISO 56002 (published 2019).
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• TCI Network (Technological Cooperation International)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2026JIN announced a strategic partnership with TCI Network, a global network headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, that promotes cluster and innovation ecosystem development. JIN officially joined as the TCI Network's Asia chapter and serves as the official contact point for TCI Network in Asia. The partnership aims to promote cross-border open innovation by connecting governments, companies, universities, and research institutions across Asian countries. The two organizations plan to jointly conduct training programs, co-host international conferences, and develop joint research on innovation and cluster development methods.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJIN serves as the project promotion partner for UNDP's 'Japan SDGs Innovation Challenge,' facilitating Japanese corporate participation in international development projects addressing SDGs challenges. The program has facilitated partnerships between 9 Japanese companies and 11 countries since 2020. JIN provides ongoing accompaniment support to participating companies throughout the project cycle.
• Tokyo University of Science (東京科学大学)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJIN and Tokyo University of Science jointly established 'IM Lab' in August 2025 as a consortium for ecosystem strategy practice, bringing together enterprises, universities, research institutions, local governments, and startups. IM Lab aims to improve innovation capabilities and form an innovation ecosystem, serving as a new knowledge creation space connecting education, research, and social implementation. The 10-month IM Lab 2026-2027 program was launched in May 2026.
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology (瑞典王立工科大学)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerKTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) is a key international partner in the IMS Global Learning Initiative co-led by JIN, Tokyo University of Science, and Amplify. Professor Mats Magnusson from KTH serves as a keynote speaker and leading figure in European IMS research and education. KTH contributes to the cross-cultural learning component of the initiative.
• Amplify (Sweden)flagshipTechnology or IntegrationAmplify, a Swedish innovation specialist organization that led the development of ISO 56001, is a co-leader of the IMS Global Learning Initiative alongside JIN and Tokyo University of Science. Amplify authored the original Amply ISO 56001 support tool series, the Japanese edition of which JIN publishes through the Japan Standards Association.
• Executive Innovation Committee (EIC) / 経営者イノベーション委員会coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe EIC was established in April 2025 with Daily Mainichi Shimbun, Tokyu Comprehensive Research Institute, and JIN as secretariat. Executive Advisor: Koichi Komiya (Mitsubishi Research Institute). Supported by COCN, IIJ, and FCAJ. Activities include the Executive Innovation Round Table and the Systematic Innovation Management Award (SIMA).
• RISE Research Institutes of SwedencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRISE is a Swedish government research institute and IMS Accelerators partner in the IMS Network. Magnus Karlsson, RISE IMS project lead and Amplify partner, serves as General Advisor for the SIMA award. RISE contributes to the Swedish innovation ecosystem expertise integrated into JIN's programs.
• Japan Standards Association (JSA) / 一般財団法人日本規格協会coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJSA serves as the official distribution agent for JIN's publications, including the Japanese editions of the Amply ISO 56001 support tool series, the 'Easy-to-Understand IMS' book, and other JIN-authored materials. Sales are made through the JSA webdesk platform.
• ISPIM (International Society for Professional Innovation Management)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerISPIM is an international professional organization for innovation managers. JIN collaborated with ISPIM for the ISPIM Connects Yokohama (2025) and ISPIM Connects Osaka (2024) events, organizing panel discussions on IMS and ISO 56001 as part of ISPIM's global innovation conferences.
• IMS Network / IMSアクセラレーター and IMS関連組織coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJIN hosts the IMS Network, a community of domestic and international organizations committed to systematic innovation. IMS Accelerators include Amplify, BSI, Innovation Way, and ISPIM. IMS related organizations span organizations from Sweden, Finland, Belgium, UK, Japan, and Austria including Enter Espoo, FCAJ, JSIC, KTH, Knowledge Associates, RISE, and VTT. IMS practice organizations include Mott MacDonald.
• IMS Partners (Japan-based ecosystem)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJIN's Japan-based IMS partner ecosystem includes StartupBrain, IndEE, Bloomconcept, and Sundred. Additional collaboration partners span diverse geographies: ScaleOut (Japan), Cornell (US), Advantage Austria, MSF, IPZ, IAOIP, Trusted, Industry-up Studio, Stanford MediaX, TwGlobal, DDC (Denmark), USDN, Cardiff (UK), Technion (Israel), AndeGlobal, StartersHub (Turkey), Madrid Impact Hub, Get in the Ring, INCO, CFBI (UK), Open Innovation Lab (Norway), Innovation Lab Asia (Denmark), and i2jp.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• RISE Research Institutes of Sweden: Swedish government research institute and IMS Accelerator partner. While much broader in scope than JIN, RISE plays a parallel role in the Swedish innovation ecosystem and contributes IMS expertise to JIN's programs.
• Japan Productivity Center (JPC): Long-established Japanese productivity and management consulting organization. It competes in the broader management consulting and corporate training market in Japan, including innovation management adjacent services.

Direct peers

• Amplify (Sweden): Swedish innovation management consultancy that led development of ISO 56001 and authored the Amply series. Directly co-leads JIN's IMS Global Learning Initiative, making it the closest peer and a near-joint-venture partner in IMS implementation content.
• Innovation Way: Innovation management consultancy listed as an IMS Accelerator alongside JIN. Comparable in size, focus on ISO 56000 implementation, and geographic footprint (Europe with international reach), competing for the same client base of large enterprises.
• ISPIM (International Society for Professional Innovation Management): International professional society for innovation management that JIN co-hosts conferences with (ISPIM Connects Osaka/Yokohama). Comparable in its mission to professionalize innovation management and in its publication and conference portfolio.
• BSI Group: Global standards body and certification company that is an IMS Accelerator partner in JIN's network. BSI operates competing ISO 56000 training and certification programs and represents direct competition in the Japan market for certification-grade delivery.

Emerging players

• Knowledge Associates International: IMS-related organization in JIN's network that provides comparable innovation management advisory and capability-building services, primarily in European markets. Smaller and more niche than JIN but directly comparable in methodology.
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Leading European technical university that co-leads JIN's IMS Global Learning Initiative through Professor Mats Magnusson. KTH is a research and education peer in innovation management, with adjacent global programs in innovation management education.

Others

• Peter Drucker Society Europe: European thought-leadership organization in management that is an IMS-related organization in JIN's network. Comparable in its role convening managers and academics around management innovation, with a broader European focus.

Regional players

• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finland's applied research organization and IMS-related organization in JIN's network. Operates in a comparable innovation management / industry-research role in the Nordic region, primarily serving European enterprises.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/japaninnovation
• Facebookfacebook.com/jinetwork.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/japan-innovation-network

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Japan Innovation Network