Adapting innovation management standards for rural SMEs: Evidence from a coffee producers’ association

Abstract

This article presents a case study of a Colombian coffee producers’ association that examines how ISO 56002 principles can be operationalized in small agricultural organizations. While ISO 56002 provides a comprehensive framework for managing innovation, its theoretical language and systemic requirements often exceed the managerial capacities of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). This research contributes to literature by proposing a simplified and context-sensitive approach to implementing the standard in rural environments. By applying qualitative methods, including interviews and document analysis, the study applied the Potential Innovation Index (PII) to assess the organization’s innovation maturity. Results indicated a *Passive* level of innovation, reflecting early but fragmented practices. From this diagnosis, the study developed tailored recommendations derived from ISO 56002, such as introducing digital communication channels to improve coordination and market access and creating knowledge management mechanisms to capture experiential learning. The main contribution lies in demonstrating how international innovation standards can be translated into actionable, low-complexity management practices for resource-constrained producer associations. This adaptation process offers practical guidance for embedding innovation capabilities in rural SMEs and provides empirical evidence on the contextual limitations of ISO-based innovation systems. Ultimately, the case advances understanding of inclusive innovation management by linking standardized frameworks with local learning dynamics and sustainable agricultural development. Beyond its immediate application, the case underscores the broader practical value of simplifying ISO 56002 for organizations with limited technical capacity and enriches academic discussions on how innovation standards can be reinterpreted to fit diverse SMEs contexts.